South Africa’s national cricket team head coach, Shukri Conrad, is gearing up for a wave of media attention following revelations surrounding star fast bowler Kagiso Rabada. Rabada recently completed a suspension after testing positive for a recreational drug during the SA20 tournament earlier this year, a situation that has stirred considerable public and media interest.
Conrad, who was officially appointed this week as the head coach across all formats of South African cricket—after serving in charge of the Test side since January 2023—faces his first major off-field challenge in managing the fallout of Rabada’s drug-related suspension.
A Fatherly Approach to Player Discipline
During an interview on Tuesday with Robert Marawa on Marawa Sports Worldwide (MSW), Conrad addressed the issue candidly, expressing his readiness to face questions and emphasizing the importance of dealing with such matters with empathy and discipline.
“I often play a fatherly role with these players. At first, you want to reprimand them, but then you shift to asking, ‘Are you okay? How do we support you?’ That’s where my head and heart went,” Conrad said.
Kagiso Rabada Named in Squad Despite Recent Scandal
Rabada, a key figure in the Proteas bowling attack, was named in the squad for the upcoming World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s, beginning June 11. Just two weeks ago, he admitted to testing positive for a banned recreational substance, with later reports identifying it as cocaine.
Despite the controversy, Conrad stood by the decision to reintegrate Rabada into the squad, citing that the disciplinary process handled by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was followed to the letter.
“Some may feel he got off easy, but this was all in accordance with global standards,” Conrad noted. “He has served his time, and the consequences matched the offense. It’s not for us to throw stones.”
Team Unity, Not Division
Conrad also dismissed concerns that the incident would cause a rift in the team, suggesting instead that it could become a unifying moment. “I’m not worried that this will fracture the group. If anything, it could strengthen us. KG has acknowledged his mistake. He’s facing it head-on. Once he’s back from the IPL, he’ll handle the media and we’ll move forward.”
A Moment for Growth and Redemption
Describing Rabada as a “global superstar,” Conrad expressed confidence in the bowler’s maturity and ability to navigate the criticism that lies ahead. “This is a learning moment—for him and for us. We don’t shy away when things go wrong. We take responsibility and grow.”
Focus Turns to Cricket Despite Off-Field Drama
With a major international showdown looming at Lord’s, the Proteas will be looking to focus on cricket, even as off-field issues loom large. Conrad’s handling of this crisis will be closely watched, both for his leadership under pressure and for the impact on team morale.
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