It’s time South Africa starts drooling over Brevis

“AS a group we are so humble to talk up other players that we don’t give credit to our own players.”

- ZAAHIER ADAMS

This was one of Shukri Conrad’s first statements after being appointed Proteas Test coach just over two years ago now.

And for those still wondering what Conrad meant, he doubled down with: “It's time we drool over our own players.”

Being one of the more savvy coaches going around, who certainly knows how to “play the media game”, Conrad was sending out a dual message. The first was, of course, for the Fourth Estate to begin backing his young team and processes whilst creating local heroes for the South African public to support.

Concurrently, Conrad was also speaking to his own players. Filling them with the belief that they had their coach’s ultimate backing that they could go toe-to-toe with any opponent. Conrad’s convictions have only grown over the intervening period - not least after leading the Proteas to World Test Championship success. It is this infectious confidence that continues to lay influence on the entire Proteas dressingroom, which Conrad now has full control over across all formats.