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The boys are off to the 12th cricket World Cup in England, which is scheduled to kick off on May 30 with the Proteas facing off against the hosts.
Ahead of their travels, Cricket SA hosted an intimate gathering of media, friends and supporters of the Proteas over a traditional braai with a twist of modernity thanks to chef Siba Mtongana, the legendary host of Food Network’s Siba’s Table.
“I was excited to get the call that I must prepare a meal for the Proteas before their sendoff. So I thought I’d put on a meal that is befitting a braai, but also nice and healthy.”
On the menu was Greek salad and couscous salad, accompanied by a variety of meats, modern pap and chakalaka.
“The Greek salad has a Siba spin on it – the dressing – and it has edible flowers!” she said.
“We also have a couscous and butternut salad with some pomegranate and feta. I also don’t think a braai would be complete without chakalaka, some lamb and traditional boerewors.”
The delectable meat came in the form of lamb chops as well as chicken and beef kebabs.
“The lamb chops have an elevated taste because of the pesto, which also serves as a marinade. So if you are pressed for time and can’t marinade your chops, the pesto works wonders,” Mtongana said.
For a twist from traditional mealie pap, Mtongana added garlic and onion to hers, giving it a golden brown look.
An abundance of media and international guests chased after the sportsmen who, when chatting to City Press, hinted at how relieved they were to have a chilled conversation.
Proteas opening bowler Lungi Ngidi (23), who will be playing in his first World Cup, spoke of how honoured he was to be part of the team.
“I am excited. London is a beautiful place and I am looking forward to doing my best. I have a lot of support from my loved ones and the schools I went to; their support constantly motivates me to do well,” he said.
Ngidi was wearing a chain with a cross on it.
“I got this cross before I went to the [Indian Premier League]. My dad suggested that I take it with me. After he passed away it’s something I have always kept with me and I pretty much never take it off, except when I am playing,” he said.
The Proteas will be gone for just over a month and Ngidi said he’d miss chill sessions and shisa nyama.
“When I’m home with my brothers and friends we have shisa nyama and chill with a cooler box, so I will miss that,” he said, laughing.
Opening batsman Aiden Markram (24) said he always dreamt of representing South Africa at the World Cup.
“I am sure there will be nervous times, but it’s all part of the game. I am excited to be representing my country at such a level, having dreamt of it for many years,” he said.
“Growing up, I was always that kid who watched cricket and I looked up to the likes of Jacques Kallis, Graeme Smith, and AB [de Villiers]. It was that group of players whom I drew inspiration from.”
Markram added that a chilled braai session and the country’s warmth were some of the things he’d miss in England.
Proteas assistant coach Malibongwe Maketa said their one mission was to bring the cup home.
“My role really will be there to support the head coach and take pressure away from him, and to ensure that he focuses on strategy,” he said, adding that the team had a good balance of youth and experience.
“We have enough experience to tap in to past World Cups and enough fresh energy to break new barriers. We’re excited about the plans we have.
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