Being a sports journalist for over ten years now, one would think that I have gotten over certain novelties, but on the morning of the arrival of the Proteas Women from the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Dubai, I was so excited because it was the first time I was going to cover a South African sports team’s arrival at OR Tambo International Airport.
For all the major arrivals that have happened over the years, I’ve often been stuck in the studio or busy with another assignment. Or a senior reporter/journalist would be assigned to that story.
Finally, it was my turn. I think the excitement came from the idea of me capturing a moment in history that many will remember for years, but also seeing people I admire not just as athletes but as humans too.
I’ve written, read, or watched them play, and to welcome them back into the country after another incredible achievement—I simply couldn’t wait.
They were the finalists at the showpiece in the United Arab Emirates for the second consecutive year, after losing to Australia in the final last year on home soil, continuing the one-sided record of Australia winning every single World Cup encounter against South Africa.
This time around in Dubai, the biggest highlight of the World Cup, after reaching the final, was beating Australia for the first time in a World Cup match and knocking the defending champions out of the tournament.
OR Tambo International Airport, a place that is always a hive of activity, was business as usual with a touch of enthusiasm. Terminal A Arrivals had a good buzz as die-hard women’s cricket supporters, close friends, and family held their South African flags and some donned the green and gold jerseys.
Journalists are often overly critical about numbers, and I get it—more people should’ve come to welcome our World Cup finalists. That would’ve been amazing. At the same time, sometimes the warmth and anticipation in the air fill the room, and that’s what I felt. The people that were there were happy to be there, and that’s what matters.
As we waited for the arrival, the Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Mr Gayton McKenzie, who’s always a “vibe,” arrived proudly wearing a Proteas jersey and green track pants. Wearing a smile as usual and dancing every now and then, as interested onlookers wondered what all the fuss was about. That also built up the excitement and got the space even more amped for what was about to come.
I was in front, just a few feet away from him, as all of us journalists wanted to hear a word or two from the flamboyant Minister on what he felt about the performance of the women’s side. As expected, he too was excited that we beat Australia first, before anything else, but he also beautifully captured that the nature of sport is that there’s a winner and a loser. Yes, we lost the final, but it doesn’t mean we can’t win in the future. Which I think was important to state as a reminder to all of us.
Finally, the moment came when the women of the moment, the coach, and his technical team came through the doors to screams and songs from the Cricket South Africa staff members.
Fittingly, the Minister as well as the President of Cricket South Africa, Rihan Richards, handed over a bouquet of Proteas to the team. The photo moments came and then the players ran and embraced the family members and friends that were present.
For me, it was beautiful to see the stars of our team back after fighting for glory on the global stage. Although they seemed a little exhausted and maybe still slightly disappointed, I think they should be proud because not winning does not mean there hasn’t been any growth.
A win for them also means a win for women in sport. Once again, like last year, South Africans were happy because a women’s team that enjoys significantly less support than their male counterparts did the unthinkable and put SA firmly on the map.
Following the airport escapades, it was time to rush to the CSA Headquarters where a press conference would take place. I love my job, and I think I realise that in the smallest of moments when I stop to reflect and think — I can’t believe this is me — cruising through the streets of Joburg, doing what I love!
The CSA offices were abuzz. A brass band, media, and staff were dancing at the gate when the bus arrived, and the players walked through a guard of honour.
We were addressed by two of my favourite players, Tazmin Brits and Nonkululeko Mlaba, alongside Director of Cricket, Enoch Nkwe, Mr Richards, and coach Dillon du Preez.
It was interesting to note that Lefty, as Mlaba is affectionately known, was a beast of a bowler in the UAE, but was so shy, “demure and cutesy,” if you will, when speaking at the presser.
Which is great for a female athlete—it says “I can be feminine, and also turn on the heat when it’s time to battle.” I also got a pic with her, another highlight of the year for me.
A quintessential braai wrapped up the afternoon and capped a beautiful day in the life of a sports journalist. Of course, I still had to go work on Radio 2000, but work for me is fun, because I got to relay my day on air, while also covering other sports. Easy and fun!
We are #AlwaysRising with the #ProteasWomen.
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