10 Comments
User's avatar
Peter's avatar

I really hope it’s a case of having to reach the bottom before the shoots of a wonderful recovery appear!

Expand full comment
Neil Manthorp's avatar

Hi Peter, administrators come and go - even really bad ones. But there is serious reason to be seriously concerned about how much damage this lot will do before they do finally go. There are still some very good, loyal people in the system - and some very good, qualified professionals who love the game and would be prepared to get involved and help...provided most of the current 'leaders' vacate the premises.

Expand full comment
Barry's avatar

Nice true words but fear action b little harder!

Expand full comment
Neil Manthorp's avatar

Barry - we have to hope. Without hope there is no...hope!

Expand full comment
Isti de Ujfalussy's avatar

With the dysfunctional SASCOC giving guidance to CSA , matters can only be aggravated . But let us give credit to those holding things together for the love of the game , and our high standing in world cricket , such as Graeme Smith and the participants in the recent camp in KNP.

Expand full comment
Neil Manthorp's avatar

Back in 2012, when SASCOC blocked the establishment of a CSA board with a majority of independent directors - as recommended by the Nicholson Report - I described them as the 'blind leading the blind'. Well, I was put very firmly in my place by a passionate cricket follower, who just happens to be blind. He wrote to tell me that many blind people don't require any leading and that, if they did, they'd be perfectly confident being led by a fellow bling person because they are well-trained, sensible and generally know exactly where they are going. So the real insult should have been: "Incompetent leading the incapable."

Expand full comment
Traf70's avatar

As insightful as ever, Neil. Without recourse, we are foreseeing the demise of S.A. cricket similarly to the West Indies

Expand full comment
Neil Manthorp's avatar

Many thanks - appreciate you reading it and the feedback. The professional game in the Caribbean has bounced back well after a couple of decades in the doldrums in which poor administration was key with each island nation fighting for what was best for them rather than the collective. There is still a bit of that going on but now, generally, the West Indies Cricket Board recognises that the best way to individual success is by being collectively strong. Cricket South Africa, sadly, has never recognised that and never will until they have a majority of independent directors.

Expand full comment
David Wolpert's avatar

As always. Terrific opinion piece by a true lover of the game with the knowledge to match. Anybody listening?

Expand full comment
Neil Manthorp's avatar

Let's hope so, David!

Expand full comment