Exclusive: CSA Defends Delayed WTC Mace Tour Amid Criticism of Low Fan Turnout

Three months after the Proteas lifted the coveted ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Mace, Cricket South Africa (CSA) finally brought the trophy home to the fans, or at least, tried to.

What was intended to be a national celebration of South Africa’s historic triumph turned into a subdued affair, with noticeably low fan turnout across several stops on the Mace Trophy Tour. 

Many have questioned whether the tour, which took place midweek and long after the excitement of the final, failed to connect with the public in the way CSA had hoped.

A Tour Too Late?

The Proteas’ WTC Final victory in June sparked jubilant scenes at OR Tambo International Airport upon their return, a moment CSA seemingly could have built upon. 

But instead, the trophy remained behind closed doors for nearly 90 days before being paraded across the country.

CSA’s Public Affairs Executive, Refentse Shinners, explained the tour’s purpose was about more than just fanfare.

“The main objective of the Trophy Tour was not only to take the Mace to the people, but to create deep and meaningful connections between the Proteas and the fans,” Shinners told SportsBoom.co.za. 

However, the timing of the tour was a sore point for many. Most stops occurred during weekdays, making it difficult for working South Africans and students to attend. By the time the Mace reached public squares, cricket fever had arguably cooled.

“Had the tour been immediate, after the WTC Final win, the public turnout would've been different,” Shinners admitted. 

“If we look at the turnout at OR Tambo when the Proteas arrived from the final, it was massive!”

East London Leg Cancelled

One of the most disappointing moments of the tour was the last-minute cancellation of the East London leg, a city that will be a host venue for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.

CSA cited safety concerns due to ongoing protests in the region at the time.

“There were safety concerns relating to the protests that were happening in East London,” said Shinners. 

“We monitored the situation for over a week and issued a cancellation notice two days prior.”

The incident raises concerns about security planning ahead of 2027, when the world's eyes will be on South Africa. But CSA remains confident.

“Protests happen in the country. I don't think it's justified to compare a Mace Trophy parade with an international tournament. We have sufficient time to assess risk and implement mitigation strategies, which will be shared with the Events, Safety and Security Planning Committee.”

Underwhelming Turnout

Images circulated on social media showed sparse crowds in places like Cape Town and Durban, sparking debate on whether the tour was effective or necessary at all.

“We are generally happy with the turnout,” said Shinners. 

“We had estimated an average of 1,000 fans per venue. Our lowest was Durban, just below 1,100 fans, due to rain on the day.”

“The Cape Town street parade was our second-lowest, which is what most people saw online. But the Grand Parade turnout was actually one of the highest overall.”

Despite modest numbers, CSA touted the benefits of smaller, more personal fan engagements.

“Those who came had one-on-one interactions with the Proteas. It wasn’t a masked, distant event. These were deep and meaningful engagements.”

“We exceeded our expectations across various venues. Kimberley had a big turnout on a Tuesday morning, even during school exams. We ran clinics in both Kimberley and Bloemfontein.”