Home Sport Cricket Proteas positions for pals can set a perturbing precedent

Proteas positions for pals can set a perturbing precedent

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South Africa’s former captain Graeme Smith takes then teammate Mark Boucher on his back during a practice session in Ahmedabad, India back in 2008 2008. Picture: AP Photo, Bikas Das

If it’s proved that Director of Cricket and BFF Graeme Smith gave him the job ahead of more qualified coaches, then what does that mean?

MARK Boucher’s upcoming gross misconduct hearing at Cricket South Africa (CSA) could have wide-ranging consequences for the game in South Africa.

While Boucher has already fumbled an apology to Paul Adams for being part of the player’s group that used to sing the racially-charged parody of “Brown Girl in the Ring”, it’s not really his character on trial.

His relationship with former interim coach Enoch Nkwe, the process that saw Nkwe become his assistant and Nkwe’s subsequent resignation will have a bigger impact.

ALSO READ: Boucher’s misconduct hearing to take place after Proteas season ends

And, though, the topic of race is going to be at the forefront, it’s not what I’m going to be talking about.

Boucher’s appointment and its justification is what I’m really struggling with.

If it’s proved that Director of Cricket and BFF Graeme Smith gave him the job ahead of more qualified coaches, then what does that mean?

ALSO READ: Boucher and Smith to face formal inquiries in the wake of SJN report

It’s now well-documented that Nkwe had the better credentials and the likes of Ashwill Prince, to name another prominent coach of colour, have the superior ‘papiere’ to back up their claims for the national team job.

Bad results for Boucher had put a target on his back, but the comeback Test-series win over India recently seems to have made the voices of his supporters louder.

If Boucher and Smith win their argument of the coaching position, can you now sommer appoint someone that you like the job?

Granted, sometimes, the RIGHT person for the job is not always the most qualified.

But giving your ‘bra’ the job in any other circumstance in such a high-profile position just doesn’t sit right with me.

And in an environment as deurmekaar as CSA, it is only going to set a terrible precedent.

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