Mohammed Moosajee says the Proteas are uneasy after the Manchester bombing at the Manchester Arena on Monday. 

The horror unfolded at about 10.30pm on Monday at the end of an Ariana Grande concert where 22 people were killed and 59 were injured.

With the Proteas currently in England for their ODI tour, Champions Trophy as well as the Test series in July, Moosajee raised his concerns about the security for the players.

‘What happened on Monday was abhorrent and despicable. Unfortunately, terrorism is a worldwide problem, and civil society being held hostage by such cowardly acts are unacceptable, said the Proteas team manager.

‘We have some genuine concerns. The players are uneasy and as AB mentioned there was a lot of chatter at the breakfast table. But I’m happy to say we have had constant communication from the ECB and the security manager.

‘There has been some assurances that have been put in place that the security measures as they stand will be supplemented starting today.

‘There’s a heightened sense of awareness and of the situation we’ve been told, there will be more visible policing at the stadium and practice sessions as well as the hotels.’

With the Proteas playing their final Test in Manchester, Moosajee expressed his assurance that his players will be safe.

‘The hotel we will be staying at ahead of the third Test is a walking distance away from where the events unfolded. So there have been genuine concerns and as I have said the process has started, to make sure that the players are reassured that arrangements have been made to keep them safe.’

To make the players feel more at ease, Moosajee revealed that a full-time security liaison officer has been provided by the ECB and will remain with the Proteas squad for the entire duration of the tour. South Africa also have their own security team travelling with them.

‘Most teams travel with their own security team,’ Moosajee said.

‘There are guys that travel ahead and do their own recces and intelligence. We are comfortable with the advice we get from our security team.’

He continued by ruling out any cancellation of their tour.

‘We can never predict what’s going to happen and how things will unfold, but as things stand I am comfortable with the arrangements, but hopefully, we will see what plans will be put in place for some of the other cities.

‘There was no thought from us of abandoning the tour. As long as people are feeding us the correct information and we trust our advisors. If the intelligence information provided tells us something else then obviously we will have to reconsider.’

Photo: Aubrey KgakatsiBackpagePix