Top-tier batsman Temba Bavuma is making history after becoming the first black South African cricketer to make a Test century for the squad and serve as captain.
Starting out in Gauteng playing for the Lions, Cape Town-born Temba Bavuma made his debut for the national team in 2014, quickly establishing himself as a key player. As a right-handed batsman, his elegant stroke play and solid technique have earned him recognition in both Test and limited-overs formats.
He made history in 2016 when he became the first black African cricketer to score a Test century. This landmark innings, against England at Newlands in Cape Town, showcased his resilience and skill under pressure.
Despite facing challenge and injuries, he continues to contribute significantly to the Proteas, displaying a remarkable commitment to the game and the development of cricket in South Africa.
A batting chance
As Cricket SA’s ODI Player of the Year for 2023, Temba is one of our most important players. Currently positioned at number 16 on the International Cricket Council’s Test Batting Ranking, the middle order batter is celebrated for his fast reflexes, quality footwork and solid defence on the field. The Proteas ODI captain has gained in confidence as a player and leader over the past year, leading the team to the semi-finals of the recent Cricket World Cup in India.
“I’m enjoying my cricket at this point in time,” he said. “I think my mind is a lot clearer in terms of what we’re trying to do and how we want to do it… I’m feeding off the confidence I’m getting from the players and the new coaches. I’m just enjoying my cricket at the moment.”
Despite his exceptional batting capabilities, Bavuma’s captaincy has been met with a mixed response. Critics have scrutinised and criticised decisions he has made on the field, while fans and coaches alike are backing their man, stating that he provides stability for the team.
“I’m there as the captain and I’m there as a batsman. I try to separate the two,” he says. “We beat teams that haven’t been beaten in a while in World Cups, so what metrics are we going to use to judge whether a guy is using the job as the captain?”
Staying the course, the brave skipper remains committed to boosting team morale and making sure his team mates stay in tip-top condition. “I think from our performances, from the processes that we’ve followed to get to this point, we’ll continue to lean on that and we believe that will take care of the result,” says Temba.
Paying it forward
Off the field, the cricketer is passionate about uplifting young people and vulnerable communities. He started the Temba Bavuma Foundation in 2016 with the hope of making an impact in the lives of children from disadvantaged backgrounds by creating sport and educational opportunities.
“As a kid from Langa, and how I was able to get to the position I am in, I’m looking at the interventions, the support and all the people that played a role in my life,” he explains. “Through the Foundation we would like to do the same for talented youngsters who don’t have the right support structures around them.”
The Temba Bavuma Foundation hosts cricket clinics, sponsors students, provides mentorships and is working on building cricket facilities in communities that lack the infrastructure. During the Covid-19 lockdowns, the Foundation also distributed thousands of food parcels to those in need.
“When we started the Foundation, it was just a vision. It needed support and work to be put in, and fortunately with all the strategic partners that have come on board, it has touched a lot of lives,” he says.
Temba Bavuma’s impact will extend far beyond the cricket field, as he not only commands the Proteas with resilience and skill but also shapes a lasting legacy through his philanthropy. His example of leadership transcends boundaries, inspiring a new generation and fostering positive change. His commitment to both the sport and social causes exemplifies the transformative power of sport, leaving a mark on both the game and communities alike.
FOLLOW HIM
Facebook: Temba Bavuma Academy
Instagram: @tembabavuma
Facebook: @TembaBavuma
Words by: Charndré Emma Kippie
Photography: Gallo/Getty Images/ supplied
