Temba Bavuma’s father: We chose not to use adversity as an excuse
Temba Bavuma’s (right) journey to becoming the first Black African captain of the South Africa cricket team, overcoming adversity and racism, is a testament to his father Vuyo’s (left) grounding and the family’s refusal to use challenges as excuses. Picture: Nokwanda Zondi/BackpagePix
Image: Nokwanda Zondi/BackpagePix
As the first Black African captain of the South Africa cricket team, Temba Bavuma has experienced incredible scrutiny and criticism throughout his career, but it was the grounding his father Vuyo gave him that went a long way in helping the talented leader reach his true potential.
That racism is still rife in South Africa cannot be disputed, and in cricket it is no different.
Many in the same position as Temba would not have made it, but that the young strokeplayer would go on to become a World Test Championship-winning captain is no co-incidence.
Vuyo explained how his son got through those tough times to reach the pinnacle of the game.
Overcoming Negativity and Adversity: Temba’s Journey to Cricket Excellence
“There were many detractors, especially when he became captain. People don’t always understand the intricacies of cricket. We never took the negativity personally, though it became fuel. His motto has always been focus on the main goal and block out the noise,” he told SportsBoom.co.za.
Vuyo explained how his family’s outlook allowed young Temba to excel.
“We come from a bitter and racially divided past,” Vuyo said.
“We’ve inherited a country that is still healing. But we chose not to use adversity as an excuse for underperformance.”
Temba’s Emotional Return to Langa with the ICC Test Mace
Late last month Temba and a number of his Proteas teammates brought the ICC Test Mace back to Langa, where he grew up. It was an emotional return as a world beater for Temba.
Vuyo gave some great insight into those formative years.
“He spent his first six years in Langa, playing for Langa Cricket Club,” Vuyo recalls.
“He was obsessed with the game. He wanted to learn everything he could.”
“We took him to SACS [South African College School], the facilities there were far better.
“Later, we moved to Johannesburg, where he went to St David’s. He even stayed an extra year after matric just to chase a place in the SA Schools team. We didn’t always agree, and I wanted him to go to varsity but in the end, he made the SA Schools XI. He also has a degree in Finance.”
“I told him to get a book, write down areas where he can improve. And I reminded him, don’t let anyone from the outside define who you are.”