Why Mark Boucher chose to leave the Proteas

Cricket South Africa’s governing body, Cricket South Africa, has been left in a state of shock after Mark Boucher decided to step down as coach of the national team earlier this week. The news of Boucher’s departure comes after South Africa were beaten 2-1 by England in the recent test matches. What will worry Cricket South Africa a lot is that Boucher is stepping down as they were looking forward to next year’s world tournament. Sources say Boucher will coach one of the cricket teams that will participate in the SA Cricket League which is expected to start next year.

A written report released by Cricket South Africa said the coach is stepping down because he wants to look for greener pastures in the game of cricket. “We appreciate the efforts made by Mark Boucher as coach of the national team over the past three years,” said the CEO of Cricket South Africa, Poletsi Moseki.

“He helped us a lot during a difficult time with the departure of our most experienced players. He helped us because he left a solid foundation that will help the next generation,” said Moseki. Boucher was given the job of coaching the national team by Graeme Smith who was then the Head of Cricket South Africa.

He did not complete his four-year contract because of the new opportunity he received. His departure is not surprising because he was once accused of racism and was found not guilty in the disciplinary process. He was accused of verbally abusing people of colour like Paul Adams who is a former South African cricketer.

Even though Boucher got off scot-free, he apologised to those who cried foul while playing for the Proteas in their youth days. Boucher will travel with the national team when they visit India this month before going to Australia where there the T20 World Cup is hosted.