Everybody seems to have an answer as to what is going wrong, but I would like to hear some solutions that will take us forward, writes Khalid Mohidin. 

If we had the correct answer we should be amongst those in the boardroom making a crucial decision on ways to take this sport forward. 

We are not, so all we can do is make suggestions or educated opinions on solutions to solve the issue we are facing. 

The main problem, in my opinion (before internet trolls start rearing their heads), is that some South African sports fans may struggle with being patient while their team is not performing.

We want the entire cake and want to eat every crumb. We are passionate and proud, which means we care about our team and hate to see them lose. (This actually describes a sports fan period) 

So what do we do? We play the blaming game – it’s transformation’s fault, it’s Mark Boucher and his friends, it’s Faf’s captaincy, it’s Kolpak signings…

When do we stop and say we are okay with not winning as long as growth is visible? 

I don’t think ever. The majority of the public want instant results, and while that will help us in the short term, it will strangle us in the long term. 

A great example is the Springboks. For years leading up to the World Cup, everything they did was slaughtered. The coaches, playing style even Siya Kolisi’s captaincy, was all scrutinized until we lifted that trophy. But what made them different to the cricket fraternity? 

The board trusted the process. And with a little bit of luck, for the first time ever a team lost an opening group match and went on to lift the trophy. So clearly, there is no complete formulae or recipe for success in sport. 

What Cricket South Africa should maybe just consider, is what is the most important factor. Growing the sport in the country? Or instant success for a short term satisfaction? 

I would think that growing this beautiful game from grass root level should be the first goal on the agenda. We need to provide more opportunities for those who come from rural areas and from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

Allow the love of the sport to grow by giving opportunities to more people in the country to play the game. The mini-cricket program is doing exactly that. They are giving the opportunity to young girls and boys, to find a love for the game. Whether those kids will all become professional cricketers is another story, but it’s a step in the right direction. 

We know grass root development is key to the growth of the sport, and we need more finances pumped into the local clubs, schools and hubs to help develop and nurture the talent in this country. 

When I did judo, there was a player who fought for the same province as me, but his parents were struggling to take their son to matches, to buy him a suit, to even buy him a belt every time he went up a grade.

A group of parents got together and paid towards all his needs – he went on to win three SA champs in a row. What does that tell me? That we have the heart and will to help others, it’s in our DNA as South Africans. 

We need to allow and help Cricket South Africa do the same for the millions of kids who want to live the dream and play for South Africa. Donate money to the organizations that are providing equipment to the less fortunate and contribute at your local club or school to allow more who have less to gain an opportunity to play the game. 

We need to answer the transformation debate with measurable and attainable solutions. Our national team must pick the best players available, our Domestic teams must pick the best teams available. 

Our schools need to let go of strict traditions to allow more opportunities for those who don’t have the means but have the work ethic and talent to succeed. This will give them a chance to display their skills at a competitive level. To those who need extra help, each Province should aid the schools in providing the necessary extra practice to help those players grow (which they are doing when allowed).

In return, the Provinces should be allowed to pick the best players of each school, if that player is ready, to play for provincial side regardless of which traditional school derby is taking place – for example. 

Now, this is a lot of work and a lot of effort. But what will end up happening is that the number of quality cricketers produced in this country will increase because we are now working with majorities and not only minorities. Rugby learnt that early and therefore we were able to see a situation where a black-African Springbok, who came from poverty, lifted the World Cup Trophy.

The transformation issue should not be forced. It should not be difficult. It should be easy to implement without any drastic measures. Policies must be achievable and not unrealistic, while still maintaining the standard of cricket.

The sport sees no colour, it sees talent and excellence regardless of race. People, however, twist the narrative to suit their agendas. 

Racism, politics and greed, will always be a battle we must all fight. As fans, we play a role in trying our best to support our teams and players.

Motivate them and hand out constructive criticism without being vile, cruel and scathing. With social media and the digital age, we have the power to spread positivity. And as the law of attraction states, what you give you will receive. Let’s not only hunt glory but also let’s hunt excellence.