In an exclusive interview with Cricket Fanatics Magazine, Kabelo Sekhukhune (Easterns), Yamkela Oliphant (SWD) and Ntabozuko Nqam (EP) talk about Bavuma and his impact on other black African cricketers, writes Ongama Gcwabe.

Temba Bavuma is an inspiration to many black African batters out there.

From the dusty streets of Langa, Bavuma is becoming a World Class cricketer and we all have the luxury of watching him stand tall under the pressures of international cricket.

Many before him succumbed to the challenges of semi-pro and franchise level for reasons that I believe we all know, but are reluctant to objectively talk about.

A name that comes to mind is that of Jerry Nqolo who retired from professional cricket at an age of 27 because of lack of opportunity. He was very open about his journey in an interview that was conducted by Sbu Mjikeliso about a year ago.

When Temba puts together such majestic innings’ like we saw at Newlands in the first ODI against England, young black African batters get inspired and Bavuma doesn’t shy away from that fact.

“That element is inspiring, when you have other fellow black African batters who want to master the craft of batting as well. That’s something I try take in my stride. The one thing (that) irked me is when you’re seen in the eyes of transformation.” said Temba after the first ODI against England at Newlands.

Young boys and girls from the townships/rural-areas now have a hero in Temba, regardless of what happens next in his career.

Temba has paved the way for them to also come through the system with the belief that they can go all the way.

I had a chat with some of the up and coming black African batters in the senior-provincial set-up to find out what they thought of Temba’s journey and what impact it has on them and other black cricketers.

Kabelo Sekhukhune, a 22-year-old opening batsman for Easterns Cricket:

“It’s good that black African batsmen can do well at that level and also it inspires us to push to the next level. It is possible for us to do well. Also, the fact that transformation is still there it puts immense pressure on us but when we do well everyone just forgets about it.”

Yamkela Oliphant a 23-year-old batsman for South Western District:

“Firstly, I think all black players look up to Temba, because he never had it easy. He had to work his way up to the Proteas even though the odds were against him.”

“Every time I see him on TV I get goosebumps and the way he goes about his business is fantastic.

“What makes him more special is the fact that he backs himself and if he is dropped he doesn’t complain about it, but he goes back to the Lions and works his way back into the Proteas setup.

“What I saw on TV during the first ODI against England inspired me to believe that any black batsmen can make it to the Proteas. We just need to work and put in the performances.”

Ntabozuko Nqam, a 24-year-old wicket-keeper batsman for Eastern Province Cricket:

“The way Temba has gone about his business since making his international debut has been an eye-opener for many people.

“I mean, when people see black professional cricketers they immediately think ‘transformation’ or ‘quota’ instead of seeing years of hard work. So, for me he is a beacon of hope.”

Yes, he’s played only three ODIs but he has brought the hope that is desperately needed in the black African community, not only in the sport of cricket but in general.