There was a lot of unfair criticism about Temba Bavuma – Gayton McKenzie

The Proteas landed back in the country on Wednesday morning, arriving to a hero’s welcome at OR Tambo International airport with the mace held aloft by Bavuma.

McKenzie says the diminutive batter, who has never lost a test match as captain, deserves a lot more respect than what was afforded him over the years.

"There was a lot of unfair criticism against our captain. He was criticised by a person that don't even know the game of cricket, they used to write stuff but what I like, they started deleting those tweets so fast and I want to say to you Temba, this country is truly rich because you are a citizen of this country," Mckenzie said.

READ: Ashwell Prince issues message to future Proteas generations

McKenzie also praised Cricket South Africa’s leadership for turning the ship around, following a turbulent few years that saw them go through financial difficulties and transformation shortcomings among many problems. 

He says they came up with a strategy and believed in it.

"To Cricket SA, you guys have taken a lot of bullets, a lot of stones thrown your side. You kept on keeping on and on behalf of the government of National Unity, I wanna start with you the board, the management, the execs, the CEO, everyone, thank you for believing in your strategy,” the minister added.

“I remember when Enoch [Nkwe] was telling me, ‘Minister we're gonna win this thing.’ He was telling me five times like I don't believe him, the fifth time I'm like, ‘It's alright.’ I want to then move and thank the coach, Shukri Conrad, I say this, we have the best cricket coach in the whole world."