Rally round Proteas: Majola to SA public

After the acrimonious tour Down Under, the cricket chief has called on the public to rally round the team during the home series against Australia.

After the acrimonious tour Down Under, South Africa's cricket chief has called on the public to rally round the Proteas during the home series against the Australians.

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"The Proteas are going to need the support of all South Africans when they take on the world champions", CEO of Cricket South Africa Gerald Majola said on Tuesday.

"It was tough playing away in Australia and Graeme and the boys are looking to turn the tables in the Standard Bank ODIs and the Castle Test matches at home. An important ingredient for them will be the full backing of South African cricket fans.

Referring to the racist remarks allegedly made at the Australian grounds, Majola said "we also want to show that one can support your nation fully and vocally, without resorting to racially abusing your opponents as happened to the Proteas in Australia."

"We South Africans are very proud of the miracle that we have achieved here through the creation of our rainbow nation. We want to show those people that there is no place for that kind of behaviour.

"Our icons are people like Nelson Mandela, who believes in building the rainbow nation by bringing people together through sport. We must never let this arena for Madiba's (Mandela's nickname) reconciliation of people to be forgotten," he said.