Juan James: “We hope we made you proud”
It appeared as if the stars might align for South Africa from the moment the pre-match formalities got underway ahead of the first semi-final of the ICC u19 Cricket World Cup in Benoni on Tuesday, with Eastern Storm coach Geoffrey Toyana performing the duty of the trophy-bearer before the action began.
Toyana is not only the coach of the Benoni-based franchise, but he also served as an inspirational figure to the Junior Proteas, as a cricketer who enjoyed a successful playing career with the Johannesburg-based Lions and the Pretoria-based Titans, before moving into coaching.
After Toyana’s moment in the spotlight, it was left to SA u19 captain Juan James and his troops to get the job done in front of a good crowd at Willowmoore Park.
A lively atmosphere prevailed throughout, with a local band doing its bit to support the South Africans in their bid to reach the World Cup final. On the old stands at Willowmoore Park, a sea of green was present to support the Junior Proteas, continuing a culture that was to the fore all across the country when the Springboks successfully defended their Rugby World Cup title in France last year.
Unfortunately for the home supporters, some thunderbolts up front from fast bowlers’ Kwena Maphaka and Tristan Luus, and solid knocks from Lhuan-dré Pretorius and Richard Seletswane, were not quite enough to see the Junior Proteas through to play for the treasured trophy.
Afterwards, reflecting afterwards on where he felt his team might have lost the game, James said: “I think it probably started in the middle with the bat. I think they bowled really well. Again, when they were batting out in the middle, when we had them four-down for 30-odd, Uday (Saharan) and Sachin (Dhas) batted really well. It’s probably those two moments (where we lost the game).
“It’s something we struggled with the whole tournament. We just didn’t quite manage to get it right,” he added.
However, the Junior Proteas reminded the world about the power of sport over the preceding three weeks as South Africans from different backgrounds came together in support of the James-led u19s.
Moreover, stars were born, with players like Maphaka, Pretorius and Dewan Marais, among others, capturing the imagination.
“The one thing that stands out the most for me is the never giving up from us,” James reckoned.
“Even now, at the end… fighting to the very end. That’s something that makes me proud as a captain, seeing everyone fight like that.”
He then turned to the support the team had received, saying: “I just want to thank everyone for coming out in every single game. You have really been amazing, and we really appreciate the support. We hope we made you proud.”
