Cape Town – The South African Proteas cricket team received a hero’s welcome at OR Tambo International Airport after winning the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s.
This marks South Africa’s first major Test title, with captain Temba Bavuma proudly carrying the Test Mace.
The Proteas have arrived in South Africa 🇿🇦🏆 pic.twitter.com/WZ5FA5kgjs
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) June 18, 2025
Head coach Shukri Conrad reflected emotionally on the victory, recalling his late father’s wish to see them defeat Australia.
“It’s been tough but the show must go on. With two runs to go, I remembered him and how he said to me that he wants to see us beat Australia. And, ja, I had a moment,” he said.
The boys have landed, welcome back home #TheProteas
Coach Shukri Conrad speaks & says winning the World Test Championship is special, especially after recently losing his father.
Says that the team will draw inspiration from this and try to win more trophies, so… pic.twitter.com/6r9cTcizqa
— MrHandsomeSA 𝕏🇿🇦 (@MrHandsomeSA__) June 18, 2025
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie praised South Africa’s sporting achievements, highlighting the Springboks’ rugby dominance, Bafana Bafana’s strong AFCON finish, Mamelodi Sundowns’ Club World Cup win, and other athletic successes — declaring South Africa “the best sporting nation in the world.
[WATCH] “We have the best rugby team, and we now have the best cricket team… South Africa is the best sporting nation in the world.” – Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie. #Newzroom405 #Proteas pic.twitter.com/7jLftv2f5W
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) June 18, 2025
“We have the best rugby team, and we now have the best cricket team… South Africa is the best sporting nation in the world,” the minister said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
