Proteas white-ball captain Temba Bavuma’s testimony could be key in determining the outcome of coach Mark Boucher’s disciplinary hearing.
Boucher intends to call players in the current national squad to testify on his behalf at his hearing, which will take place from 16-20 May.
The 45-year-old has been charged with “gross misconduct” by CSA following allegations of racism made against him by former teammate Paul Adams during last year’s Social Justice and Nation-Building (SJN) hearings.
Assistant coach Enoch Nkwe’s resignation in August last year will also be addressed during Boucher’s disciplinary hearing. Nkwe claimed he had been “undermined” and reduced to being a “cones boy” in a “toxic working environment”.
After a meeting with Nkwe last August, the CSA members’ council sent out a statement regarding Nkwe’s concerns without any player being consulted, which apparently infuriated the team.
Several informed sources told Rapport newspaper that if a high-profile player like Bavuma testifies that the team culture is one of inclusivity, it will help Boucher a lot.
Another potential key witness is team manager Volvo Masubelele.
CSA’s case will be weakened if Nkwe and Adams are not prepared to testify at the hearing.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
