Racism within South African cricket is ‘subtle, yet brutal,’ says Lonwabo Tsotsobe

Former left-arm pacer Lonwabo Tsotsobe says he was subjected to as a black player during his time in the national team.

Racial divisions in South African cricket were again laid bare on Wednesday when former South African pacer Lonwabo Tsotsobe has made a startling revelation alleging racism remained a factor in the game. Tsotsobe, once ranked the No 1 ODI bowler in the world, alleges that his mother was “kicked out of the presidential suite at a stadium.” She was denied entry into the plush hospitality facility on a day she had travelled to the venue to watch the former Proteas left-arm fast bowler play for the national cricket team. Tsotobe’s mother was allowed into the suite only after he threatened to walk away and not take to the field. Tsotsobe, who represented the Proteas between 2009 and 2014, says he used to carry the bags of senior players onto the bus when he was initially selected to represent the Proteas on tour.