“With Faf, in particular, we struggled to find the balance that worked for both parties,” said South Africa Director of Cricket, Graeme Smith, in his address to the media at the announcement of South Africa’s squad for the T20 World Cup. 

Graeme Smith explained, “When you’re working with free agents, you have to find the balance that works for the squad and the free agents.” Smith conceded that Faf du Plessis’ absence is “tough and disappointing” but remains confident that with “big performances on the world stage,” South Africa will have new heroes to look up to. 

Another controversial selection that raised eyebrows was that of Bjorn Fortuin being selected ahead of George Linde, who has been the preferred partner to the Proteas’ first-choice spinner, Tabraiz Shamsi. The convenor of selectors, Victor Mpitsang, said, “With the bowling side of things, George did really well. Bjorn is also a spinner upfront. That’s why we went with Bjorn.” Additionally, Mpitsang said, “We went with seaming all-rounders.” 

White-ball captain, Temba Bavuma, and the selection panel are of the view that playing conditions in the UAE will suit seaming all-rounders as much as spinners. “We’ve got more all-rounders than normal, who can exploit slower conditions in Dubai,” said Bavuma. Mpitsang added, “We needed to make sure we have resources to play in those conditions. With the help of the analyst, we needed to make sure we cover our bases.” 

Furthermore, the unceremonious resignation of Assistant Coach, Enoch Nkwe, was also raised during the press conference. Graeme Smith said, “Losing Enoch at this stage is disappointing. We had a number of engagements in the time he decided to walk away. It’s disappointing for us. He was valuable to us.”

Before the Proteas departed for Sri Lanka, Temba Bavuma, who worked with Nkwe at the Lions, said he would talk to Nkwe upon his return to South Africa. With Bavuma’s finger injury ending his Sri Lanka campaign prematurely, he confirmed that he had the opportunity to meet with Nkwe and learn more about his perspective.

“I met up with Enoch and we had a productive conversation. He did ask me to pay respect to the fact that he will engage with the media and give you clarity.”