Performance coach Tom Dawson-Squibb says the Proteas “don’t hide” from past World Cup failures.
The Proteas have suffered plenty of World Cup heartbreak since 1992, the most recent at last year’s ODI tournament in India when they lost to Australia in the semi-finals.
Speaking to Rapport newspaper, Dawson-Squibb – who is head coach of UCT’s Varsity Cup rugby team – says the Proteas believed they could win that World Cup and did not choke.
“We played 80 overs of good cricket [in the semi-final]. We wanted to bat first, because that was our strong point. Then the ball just moved around a lot. We were 24-4 and got to 212.
“The Proteas of 2023 definitely believed they could win the World Cup,” he added. “And the belief grew more and more as the tournament went on.”
Dawson-Squibb says while he can’t comment on other World Cup failures, as he wasn’t there, the team does address it.
“We don’t hide it. We talk about it, but instead you pay more attention to how you feel and what you experience.”
Dawson-Squibb says he helps head coach Rob Walter to “create a challenging and happy environment” and that his “primary role at the Proteas is to help the coaches be the best version of themselves.
“Also to be a resource for the players for one-on-one conversations – about how they approach the game, their mindsets and how they can reach their full potential,” he added.
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