Nation praises South African team

Stellenbosch (South Africa), March 25

Led by unexpected praise from the nation’s outspoken sports minister, South Africa went easy on its cricket team after another painful loss at the World Cup.

A long history of failure at the tournament has often put the Proteas at the sharp end of stinging criticism from the demanding media and fans back home. But sports minister Fikile Mbalula said he was still proud of the team after its nail-biting loss to New Zealand in the semifinals. “You made us proud as a nation as you fought until the last minute,” Mbalula said. “You are winners in my eyes and I’m sure the whole nation agrees.”

Wednesday’s newspapers reflected the players’ bitter disappointment, but there was no mention of “chokers,” the dreaded term previously given to the team. — PTI