South Africa Captain Quinton de Kock Pleased With Much-Needed ‘Culture Camp’

South Africa skipper Quinton de Kock has hailed CSA’s initiative to conduct ‘Culture Camp’ for the South African cricket team. The camp comprised of 32 players in total and was being conducted in Skukuza from August 18 to 22. The culture camp had been hosted on the backdrop of the increasing racial discrimination in South African cricket. The players in the camp had workshops on the team’s identity and environment and outline performance goals.

Faf Du Plessis was unable to attend the camp due to the birth of his second son. The camp was also attended by young players who are on the cusp of making it to the main team. Two players also tested positive for Covid-19 in the camp and were sent in isolation under the team’s medical supervision.

The Culture Camp was something that this team needed: Quinton De Kock

South Africa’s limited-overs skipper Quinton De Kock feels the culture camp was much needed for his team. It was held to address several issues currently affecting the game in South Africa at the moment. He said it helped the youngsters to get to know the team before they were selected to represent the country on the biggest stage.

“A lot of guys got things off their back, it was something that this team needed. We’ve had a lot of good chats which I think the team needed. Everyone is leaving feeling a lot better about the environment and about themselves,” said De Kock.

“We feel a lot more comfortable as a team going forward, which was needed… we’re excited about going into the future now. In this environment, even though you’re contracted it doesn’t mean that you’re guaranteed to play, so I think it was important that the up and coming players needed to be there with the squad,” he added.

It was important for the youngsters to be here: Quinton De Kock

The southpaw felt that it was important for the youngsters who are on the verge of entering the team to attend the culture camp and to know how things work on the biggest setup.  He said it was great to know the views of the young guns and to help them in understanding the Proteas’ situation.

“This is professional sport and we’re trying to play the best team that we can. If a younger guy is performing and he gets an opportunity, it doesn’t help that he hasn’t been here and he doesn’t know anything. We’ve seen what they’ve done in the franchise system and we know there’s a potential future for them in the team, so it was important for them to come here,” told De Kock

“It was great to learn some views from the younger guys and help them understand the situation with the Proteas and how we want to go about things,” he stated.

Quinton De Kock will be seen in action in the IPL for Mumbai Indians. The IPL 2020 will begin from September 19 till November 10, a total 53-day campaign will see all the 8 teams play in UAE. The venue this time is UAE and matches will be played in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.