Is This the Trophy South Africans Envision?

The prominent figure at South Africa’s ICC mace parade in Cape Town on Friday wasn’t one of the players or the coaching staff. Who could it be?

“Craig.”

What’s the last name?

“Steyn.”

As in Dale?

“Yes. That’s my middle name.”

Craig Steyn, a fit young man in his early 20s, donned a polo shirt, chinos, and sensible shoes. He was sharp, alert, and focused, crucial qualities for his role as the mace’s personal security guard on Friday.

Whenever the 76cm, five-kilogram gleaming gold and silver trophy wasn’t held by Temba Bavuma or his team and staff, it was securely with Steyn, who gently wrapped it in its soft grey cloth bag and cradled it with care.

Steyn appeared determined, a man on a mission that was thankfully easier than expected.

South Africa’s victory against Australia by five wickets in the WTC final earned them the mace – marking their first senior global trophy since 1998. But the triumph was on June 14, 105 days prior. Even though South Africans hadn’t forgotten, life had moved forward.

Cape Town’s streets weren’t crowded for the open-top bus ride featuring the players and the mace, along with Steyn, through the sunny city centre on Friday. Small groups of fans greeted the Proteas’ parade. Some spectators, including a construction worker, were caught off guard but managed to offer salutes in time.

Temba Bavuma raised the mace triumphantly while confetti fell outside Cape Town City Hall ©Cricbuzz

Cape Town marked the final destination of a tour that began in Kimberley on Tuesday, with stops in Bloemfontein, Durban, Gqeberha, East London, King William’s Town, and Mdantsane. Approximately 500 people welcomed the team and the mace in front of Cape Town City Hall, the largest crowd of the week.

Calls of recognition emerged from behind barricades as Temba Bavuma and his players took the stage at the Italian Renaissance-style City Hall. After speeches, the mace was hoisted high amid a confetti shower.

In November 2019, the Springboks celebrated their rugby World Cup win with a similar nationwide tour, drawing massive crowds and fervent fans eager to see their heroes. Their celebration tour began just nine days after their victory, a stark contrast of 96 days compared to the cricketers’ parade, emphasizing timing’s significance. Was it too late to showcase the mace?

Shukri Conrad didn’t think so: “Like I always told my daughters, better late than pregnant.”

Conrad’s jest was met with laughter, yet his message was meaningful: “We haven’t lost the gees [spirit], nor the feeling. It’s wonderful to have this opportunity to express our gratitude to the country, and for the country to show their appreciation for us.”

“The sense of victory will remain with us. Even if more than a hundred days have passed, it’s the perfect moment to begin the next WTC cycle.”

South Africa will commence their title defense against Pakistan in Lahore on October 12. This week was the only real chance to showcase their trophy. They have played Tests in Zimbabwe (starting 14 days after the final) and ODIs and T20Is in Australia and England, with 79 out of 105 days consumed by these fixtures, travel, and adaptation.

A construction worker salutes the Proteas’ passing parade ©Cricbuzz

Quite simply, there was no window for parading their prize. If CSA erred, it was in not marketing the tour sufficiently, hence the surprise among many onlookers.

Conrad reflected, “We’ve had challenging months in England and Australia, but drawing inspiration from this certainly helps.”

Aiden Markram agreed: “It’s been a hectic few days with a lot of travel, but it’s special to share this moment with people from different cities.

“Ideally, celebrating soon after the match would have been great, living in that moment. But things aren’t always ideal.”

“As we prepare for Pakistan, we’re not fully relaxing, which might be a blessing in disguise.”

In the ever-busy world of international cricket, breaks are rare. When they come, count on Craig Steyn and his team to guard the trophies well.