Despite the high level of professionalism amongst the Momentum Proteas players, the news of Dane van Niekerk’s exclusion has been tough on the team admitted Head coach Hilton Moreeng ahead of the tri-series final against India on Thursday | ✍️ Ongama Gcwabe
It is the day after the news broke out that Dane van Niekerk has been left out of the side due to failure to pass a fitness test that is mandatory for all professional cricketers in the country. The side is busy preparing for the final of the tri-series that is staged in East London in the absence of both Van Niekerk and Marizanne Kapp.
Kapp has made it into the fifteen-player squad and contrary to the reports that suggested she decided to pull out of the final, she has instead been granted leave by the management.
“She is part of the World Cup and committed to the World Cup for us. She needed a break and has been granted compassionate family leave. We feel even the form that she’s in, we’re very happy as far as the skills,” Moreeng told the media on Wednesday.
Married to Van Niekerk, Kapp has understandably requested time off to be present in what is definitely a tough time for her spouse. The shock waves are not only felt in their household but are felt also back in east London where the team is preparing to take on India in tomorrow’s final of the tri-series.
At the end of the day, most of Van Niekerk’s teammates would look up to her and what she has been able to achieve in her career. It is not rocket science to understand that the side is in pain for her absence in what will be a special World Cup at home.
“It’s been tough on everyone. The player that I know will find it very difficult with what has transpired,”
There’s nothing much the coach or anyone for that matter can do about the situation. Even the selectors did not have any power over the situation as Moreeng told members of the media.
“Once the final fitness list has been given over to the coaches and the selectors, we look at what we have and we balance it according to the conditions and what we are going to need,” said Moreeng.
“At the end of the day, it’s how you balance the team post results as far as the fitness requirements are concerned. It’s a non-negotiable in the country. Every professional cricketer knows it,” he continued.
Moreeng added that all they can do is deal with the situation and move on. After all, there’s a World Cup in nine days’ time and it’s at home which automatically raises expectations.
“The players are very professional. They know these kinds of things happen. We don’t wish it on any player. But at the end of the day, it is what it is. Overall the squad understands what needs to happen and now it’s up to us to move forward,” He concluded.
The Momentum Proteas take on India tomorrow at 3 pm SAST
