WATCH | Proteas coach Shukri Conrad prepares for media scrutiny over Kagiso Rabada's drug ban
Shukri Conrad speaks up on Kagiso Rabada's drug ban Proteas Test coach Shukri Conrad has given his opinion on Kagiso Rabada's failed drug test after naming the team for the upcoming WTC final against Australia in London. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Proteas’ head coach Shukri Conrad is prepared for the media storm that’s coming after star bowler Kagiso Rabada served a suspension after failing a drug test during the SA20 tournament earlier this year.
Conrad was confirmed earlier this week as the Proteas’ coach for all formats, having already been in charge of the Test team since January of 2023.
On Tuesday, Conrad named his squad for the World Test Championship final, where the Proteas will take on Australia at Lord’s in London starting on June 11. One of players named was Rabada, who dropped a bombshell two weeks ago when he revealed he had tested positive for a recreational substance.
This past weekend, reports suggested that the recreational drug found in Rabada's system was cocaine.
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Speaking to 947’s Robert Marawa on MSW on Tuesday night, Conrad understood that he will face some questions from the media over Rabada’s drugs ban, but was happy with how the issue was dealt with.
“I often adopt a fatherly role with these players. Your initial reaction is to have him in front of you and smack him over his head, and then ask him ‘are you okay? How are we going to help?’ That’s the initial reaction,” the Proteas coach said.
“I’m comfortable with where we’re at now. We allowed the process to unfold with SAIDS and in line with WADA to follow the necessary process. If people feel he got off lightly, this is in line with world processes, so he’s served his sentence, and the punishment befits the crime. Who are we to judge?
“When I was asked about how the international media would react, for me it’s simple. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. KG owns his cock-up that he made. He’s dealing with it. I’m not scared that this will break down [the team]. I think it will galvanize the unit if we need something to galvanize us.
“I see the opportunity, rather than adversity. He’s a global superstar and he understands that it’s going to be tough, but again, when we err, we deal with it and we own it. And I’m sure as he’s dealt with SAIDS and WADA throughout this whole process, he will deal with the media on his return from the IPL and then we get on with business as usual.”
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