So, where has transformation lead us to? The possible end of two promising performers, one white and the colored. I say possible more in the light of "hope" because I admire both Langeveldt and Nel, and don't wish to see them end their careers on such a tragic note.
While they contemplate their futures and CSA officials find out the root cause of this mess, Monde Zondeki has been chosen (as predicted by this blogger in the early hours of 4 am - I think). According to CricInfo's article, Zondeki has been in red-hot form and considering it is a 3 test series in the subcontinent, will get a game on two. For CSA officials, they would hope he makes the most of it... to ensure that CSA CEO Gerald Manjola's comments (on South Africa thumping India) don't backfire on them. But even if Langeveldt played and succeeded, or Zondeki for that fact, it doesn't change the problem, the root.
I am against most quota systems (most that I can think of). South Africa have hundreds of talented colored kids growing outside the cities, who don't get the exposure to cricket that they should. That is the real crime... CSA funds and policies should go about in bring quality players to the top... not merely rant on every mixed player they jam into a squad as a "Success" for the system or South African cricket at large.
Readers will be happy to notice I've eliminated many of my "trois points" ... It can be very contagious.
But I'll let this issue rest here and hopefully, I won't have to write articles highlighting the careers of Nel and Langeveldt soon, but spend more time on International politics and the scrumptious outcomes of a Proteas pace-battery against the Fortified batters of India.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Cricket: CSA Transformation Policy Making Waves...
It's always sad when politics and other *news* overshadow the game... cricket in this case. Here, I am... just recovering from the Andre Nel affair and awaiting a cracker of a series with India... and Cricket South Africa's transformation policy does it again! (Read bottom for background and definitions)
Poor Charl Langeveldt... Poor Andre Nel... both victims of an unpopular quota system which is threatening the growth and expresion of fine sportsmen... fast bowlers. Who's to blame? Norman Ardense? CSA? Gerald Manjola?
A motley crew of incidents...
Firstly, one the subject of Langeveldt over Nel? CL is definitely in the future plans of CSA. He's proven himself to be their ultimate ODI bowler... smart, swinging the ball away from the right-hander... and tight (plus Shaun Pollock's exit leaves a HUGE pair of shoes to fill). Yet was he the best choice for the tour of India? Let's take a quick look at the others in the pace-battery. We know Dale Steyn will take center stage... he deserves a few 100 blogs himself... Morne Morkel is promising and will definitely become along side Steyn, the Greats of the Future. Ntini is experienced, never gives up but unfortunately isn't quite in sync. So? You have a Legend climbing the ranks... a Legend of the Future... and a Master... who has been fading in the last few months. Soo, who fills the vacuum? the smart, tireless, hearty former prison warden... or the tireless, aggressive, eccentric big man?
My Answer
Nel for my 2 cents worth is the better test bowler... especially when there aren't conditions to work with... Some might argue he's too much like the other 3 (in pace) and what is needed is someone to hold the fort. Those critics might be forgetting Nel's series down-under, where he was amazing! He was unhittable and troubled the Aussies at everystage... with a bit of luck the Proteas should have tied that series 1-1. But Langeveldt can be seen as a nagger and the type of fast bowler who can work in the Indian conditions... which also holds water. He might get some reverse swing and grip off the pitch and offer a different challenge to Steyn and Ntini (or Morkel).
So? Where to next?
Well, that paragraph didn't solve anything did it? India is suseptible to pace. How much pace will be on offer is another question all together but if the batsmen can grind the runs... the pacers could knocked Kumble and Co. off the roost... even more knock the public of the roost after a successful series down-under.
Back to the issue at hand... Nel get's upset that he's left out and considers quitting... ? He has every right to feel upset... but Langeveldt doesn't want to go to India with the tag - racial quota - or in other words... "awwww pity" and He's right. So who's wrong? Well the system to begin with but let's not go there... that's an issue that has to be handled on its own.
I hope coach Mickey Arthur and Gerald Manjola, CSA CEO, spoke to Langeveldt and tried to deter him from leaving due to the row, but the issue there is Langeveldt probably knows who is Arthur's first choice. The worst thing and unfortunately what looks like the next step is... someone else coming into the squad and no disrespect for Monde Zondeki, but I don't think he's ready for India - the Final Frontier and possibly the 2nd or 3rd most difficult places to tour. I don't know if Nel would like to jump back in either... He must be still upset and doesn't himself want to be included as a political compromise - although he would know he was first choice. So, what does happen next? Most probably someone new will come into the squad... an uncapped bowler? Morkel is inexperienced enough (although many including the Great Allan Donald says he's mature beyond he's years) for the tour... so having two wet earred pacers is not a good idea.
This gives CSA a chance to redeem it-self, try and convince Nel to return to the squad I say... if not Langeveldt.
And for the two of them... don't through your futures away... Langeveldt is South Africa's first choice premiere ODI bowler and Nel is South Africa's premiere All-round bowler... After the demise of Hansie Cronje, the tears of Semi-finals and duckworth-lewis... surely South African cricket has hand its fair share of depressing endings.
Background
For many American viewers who might not be aware of the topic "CSA - Transformation Policy," let me give you a quick preview. Cricket South Africa is the governing body for cricket in South Africa (it's an English game second only to football globally and played somewhat like baseball) and its "Transformation Policy" is an Affirmative Action type system, where players of colour (or color) - (Black) African, Asian or a Mix - must make up a certain chunk of a squad (from which a final 11 is chosen) and team (the final 11).
Why the policy? Basically, these groups weren't given the freedom to represent and participate in the game during the Apartheid era in South Africa (which in turn blocked the national side from world cricket for three decades or so - which in turn made many "Great" South African players from never making headway internationally). So, the system is devised to ensure they are given fair representation.
The latest controversy occured when South Africa's squad for Bangladesh (a minor tour but one that preceeded a MAJOR tour to India) was revealed and a certain individual wanted to include 2 colored players instead of the chosen white players. The coach got his wish and the two colored players weren't added. Ah! But there was another turn in store. In announcing the squad for India, a colored player (Langeveldt) was chosen over a (much favored by coach) white player Andre Nel...
Poor Charl Langeveldt... Poor Andre Nel... both victims of an unpopular quota system which is threatening the growth and expresion of fine sportsmen... fast bowlers. Who's to blame? Norman Ardense? CSA? Gerald Manjola?
A motley crew of incidents...
Firstly, one the subject of Langeveldt over Nel? CL is definitely in the future plans of CSA. He's proven himself to be their ultimate ODI bowler... smart, swinging the ball away from the right-hander... and tight (plus Shaun Pollock's exit leaves a HUGE pair of shoes to fill). Yet was he the best choice for the tour of India? Let's take a quick look at the others in the pace-battery. We know Dale Steyn will take center stage... he deserves a few 100 blogs himself... Morne Morkel is promising and will definitely become along side Steyn, the Greats of the Future. Ntini is experienced, never gives up but unfortunately isn't quite in sync. So? You have a Legend climbing the ranks... a Legend of the Future... and a Master... who has been fading in the last few months. Soo, who fills the vacuum? the smart, tireless, hearty former prison warden... or the tireless, aggressive, eccentric big man?
My Answer
Nel for my 2 cents worth is the better test bowler... especially when there aren't conditions to work with... Some might argue he's too much like the other 3 (in pace) and what is needed is someone to hold the fort. Those critics might be forgetting Nel's series down-under, where he was amazing! He was unhittable and troubled the Aussies at everystage... with a bit of luck the Proteas should have tied that series 1-1. But Langeveldt can be seen as a nagger and the type of fast bowler who can work in the Indian conditions... which also holds water. He might get some reverse swing and grip off the pitch and offer a different challenge to Steyn and Ntini (or Morkel).
So? Where to next?
Well, that paragraph didn't solve anything did it? India is suseptible to pace. How much pace will be on offer is another question all together but if the batsmen can grind the runs... the pacers could knocked Kumble and Co. off the roost... even more knock the public of the roost after a successful series down-under.
Back to the issue at hand... Nel get's upset that he's left out and considers quitting... ? He has every right to feel upset... but Langeveldt doesn't want to go to India with the tag - racial quota - or in other words... "awwww pity" and He's right. So who's wrong? Well the system to begin with but let's not go there... that's an issue that has to be handled on its own.
I hope coach Mickey Arthur and Gerald Manjola, CSA CEO, spoke to Langeveldt and tried to deter him from leaving due to the row, but the issue there is Langeveldt probably knows who is Arthur's first choice. The worst thing and unfortunately what looks like the next step is... someone else coming into the squad and no disrespect for Monde Zondeki, but I don't think he's ready for India - the Final Frontier and possibly the 2nd or 3rd most difficult places to tour. I don't know if Nel would like to jump back in either... He must be still upset and doesn't himself want to be included as a political compromise - although he would know he was first choice. So, what does happen next? Most probably someone new will come into the squad... an uncapped bowler? Morkel is inexperienced enough (although many including the Great Allan Donald says he's mature beyond he's years) for the tour... so having two wet earred pacers is not a good idea.
This gives CSA a chance to redeem it-self, try and convince Nel to return to the squad I say... if not Langeveldt.
And for the two of them... don't through your futures away... Langeveldt is South Africa's first choice premiere ODI bowler and Nel is South Africa's premiere All-round bowler... After the demise of Hansie Cronje, the tears of Semi-finals and duckworth-lewis... surely South African cricket has hand its fair share of depressing endings.
Background
For many American viewers who might not be aware of the topic "CSA - Transformation Policy," let me give you a quick preview. Cricket South Africa is the governing body for cricket in South Africa (it's an English game second only to football globally and played somewhat like baseball) and its "Transformation Policy" is an Affirmative Action type system, where players of colour (or color) - (Black) African, Asian or a Mix - must make up a certain chunk of a squad (from which a final 11 is chosen) and team (the final 11).
Why the policy? Basically, these groups weren't given the freedom to represent and participate in the game during the Apartheid era in South Africa (which in turn blocked the national side from world cricket for three decades or so - which in turn made many "Great" South African players from never making headway internationally). So, the system is devised to ensure they are given fair representation.
The latest controversy occured when South Africa's squad for Bangladesh (a minor tour but one that preceeded a MAJOR tour to India) was revealed and a certain individual wanted to include 2 colored players instead of the chosen white players. The coach got his wish and the two colored players weren't added. Ah! But there was another turn in store. In announcing the squad for India, a colored player (Langeveldt) was chosen over a (much favored by coach) white player Andre Nel...
Tibet... timing vs. an empire?
“Timing is everything,” some argue. It is a crucial factor in the success of any plan or revolution; either side of that defining second will result in failure and condemnation – counting your eggs before they hatch or missing the parade (or bus) altogether.
That is why latest protests in Tibet, through a motley collection of reports, withdrawals, and annual celebrations, seem to have hit the nail right on the head.
First and foremost, it marks the 49th anniversary of the uprising that led to the exile of Tibet’s spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. Tibet’s struggle for a sense of autonomy is different from other divided hot spots in the world; they are said to desire spiritual freedom before a national identity, and an amicable solution for the Tibetans, according to the Dalai Lama would have close relations with China.
New countries aren’t born everyday and we can’t expect another anytime soon. Barely a month after Kosovo became the youngest country in the world we have another discussion piece from the Himalayas. It is a vital jab of keeping the issue in the minds and media screens of a world audience. And while precedent is a strong ally to a cause, coming second can pay off in global politics. We can remember the monks in Burma, “Ops! Myanmar,” just a few months ago and already there are comparisons. Sanctions and a rebuke from the first lady wasn’t enough to bring a motion picture ending but Tibet has that missed opportunity to jump on.
Then there’s the popularity poll on China. World renowned American director Steven Spielberg pulled out of artistic advisor role for the Beijing games over China not pushing their influence on Sudan (one of the current crop of sovereign “bad boys”), a human rights report by the U.S. took another stab and what we all know is a poor Chinese record and then there’s the event the world has been waiting for… the Summer Olympics in August.
While the violence and statistics were played both ways by either side, Tibet’s most powerful spokesman have played China extremely well. They haven’t sat back on comfy sofas and slapped China silly.
Richard Gere’s comments on CNN called China to take steps in being a responsible world power and besides using the “G word” (cultural genocide), the Dalai Lama’s insisted that China is a worthy host for the Olympics; keeping the ball on China’s side of court and if Hu Jintau’s government don’t hit back… match point could come closer than they think.
Yet China is a different creature altogether. They have been successful at blocking media reports and keeping many questions concerning the aftermath unanswered. While this will only draw more condemnation and demand for answers by the international community, China is banking on them switching back to normalcy (we have our own problems to deal with anyway).
China’s clamp down has effectively controlled the wildfire but Tibet has allies around the Western borders of China, namely the other rising global power India. But change will come from far distant shores and Tibet must find ways to prolong the latest embers to spark of enough discussion.
Perhaps the latest row won’t scratch too deep into the surface, but with China’s arrival to the world stage months away; this is unlikely to be the final pin aimed at the red balloon. It will raise new challenges for a giant who’s still hoping to go unnoticed, a parent who has to learn that strict law and order only strengthens the rebellious child.
That is why latest protests in Tibet, through a motley collection of reports, withdrawals, and annual celebrations, seem to have hit the nail right on the head.
First and foremost, it marks the 49th anniversary of the uprising that led to the exile of Tibet’s spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. Tibet’s struggle for a sense of autonomy is different from other divided hot spots in the world; they are said to desire spiritual freedom before a national identity, and an amicable solution for the Tibetans, according to the Dalai Lama would have close relations with China.
New countries aren’t born everyday and we can’t expect another anytime soon. Barely a month after Kosovo became the youngest country in the world we have another discussion piece from the Himalayas. It is a vital jab of keeping the issue in the minds and media screens of a world audience. And while precedent is a strong ally to a cause, coming second can pay off in global politics. We can remember the monks in Burma, “Ops! Myanmar,” just a few months ago and already there are comparisons. Sanctions and a rebuke from the first lady wasn’t enough to bring a motion picture ending but Tibet has that missed opportunity to jump on.
Then there’s the popularity poll on China. World renowned American director Steven Spielberg pulled out of artistic advisor role for the Beijing games over China not pushing their influence on Sudan (one of the current crop of sovereign “bad boys”), a human rights report by the U.S. took another stab and what we all know is a poor Chinese record and then there’s the event the world has been waiting for… the Summer Olympics in August.
While the violence and statistics were played both ways by either side, Tibet’s most powerful spokesman have played China extremely well. They haven’t sat back on comfy sofas and slapped China silly.
Richard Gere’s comments on CNN called China to take steps in being a responsible world power and besides using the “G word” (cultural genocide), the Dalai Lama’s insisted that China is a worthy host for the Olympics; keeping the ball on China’s side of court and if Hu Jintau’s government don’t hit back… match point could come closer than they think.
Yet China is a different creature altogether. They have been successful at blocking media reports and keeping many questions concerning the aftermath unanswered. While this will only draw more condemnation and demand for answers by the international community, China is banking on them switching back to normalcy (we have our own problems to deal with anyway).
China’s clamp down has effectively controlled the wildfire but Tibet has allies around the Western borders of China, namely the other rising global power India. But change will come from far distant shores and Tibet must find ways to prolong the latest embers to spark of enough discussion.
Perhaps the latest row won’t scratch too deep into the surface, but with China’s arrival to the world stage months away; this is unlikely to be the final pin aimed at the red balloon. It will raise new challenges for a giant who’s still hoping to go unnoticed, a parent who has to learn that strict law and order only strengthens the rebellious child.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
