Proteas head coach Mark Boucher has admitted that the reality of an impending disciplinary hearing had been difficult for him to handle. Photo: Anne Laing/Gallo Images/Getty Images
Proteas coach Boucher admits it’s been ‘tough’ to enjoy the job
Proteas coach Mark Boucher has admitted that off-field matters have led to a joyless period in the job ahead of his disciplinary hearing.
Proteas head coach Mark Boucher has admitted that the reality of an impending disciplinary hearing had been difficult for him to handle. Photo: Anne Laing/Gallo Images/Getty Images
In a dramatic statement earlier this year, CSA confirmed that various charges had been levelled against Boucher. This comes after former national spinner Paul Adams implicated Boucher in a racial incident when the two were teammates, alleging that the former wicket-keeper was part of a group who called him a “brown sh*t”.
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As previously reported, the disciplinary proceedings have been set down for 16 to 20 May, with these dates recently welcomed by Boucher’s lawyer Mohammed Chavoos.
“We welcome this ruling, and it gives Mark the opportunity to focus on his duties as the head coach,” Chavoos said.,
“It also enables his legal team to properly prepare for the May hearings. Mark also looks forward to establishing that the allegations made against him are misconstrued and unjustified.”
CSA previously confirmed that a charge sheet, containing both the disciplinary charges against Boucher, as well as his rights, was provided to him on 17 January. The upcoming inquiry will also consider concerns and allegations that arose following the resignation of former assistant coach, Enoch Nkwe.
This has all served as the backdrop during a period of all-important cricket for the Proteas, which has yielded impressive Test series wins over India and Bangladesh, as well as a 1-1 draw in New Zealand.
South Africa have been elevated to second position on the ICC’s World Test Championship table, but it’s only the on-field coaching that has brought Boucher any solace.
“Yes, the past few months have been tough. I’ve really enjoyed coaching the guys. On the cricketing side of things, we’ve got a very tight unit coming together. I’ve enjoyed being around them and seeing their development,” Boucher said on Monday as the Proteas wrapped up a comprehensive win over Bangladesh in the second Test.
“Outside of that, it would be quite difficult for me to say that I’ve enjoyed (my job). I believe that’s just being honest. I don’t think anyone in my situation can enjoy things with what’s been put on my plate. I’ve enjoyed the cricket things. That’s it.”
While Boucher is being charged with gross misconduct, which could lead to his dismissal, CSA has emphasised it is important that the independent inquiry first needs to test all allegations before any question of sanction can arise.
According to media reports, the charge sheet includes the following assertions: “The nature of your misconduct is gross and of such a serious nature to warrant termination of your employment.”
“Your conduct has resulted in an irretrievable breakdown in the trust relationship between you and CSA. In the circumstances, the sanction of dismissal will be sought before the Chairperson of the disciplinary enquiry,” the sheet continued.
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Some of the accusations CSA levelled at Boucher included:
- Historically repeatedly used racist and/or offensive and/or inappropriate nicknames regarding a Proteas team-mate.
- Having had your racist and/or offensive and/or inappropriate utterances drawn to your attention, you failed to adequately and/or sufficiently and/or appropriately apologise for these utterances and/or acknowledge the racist nature of these utterances and/or hurt that they caused.
- You have conducted yourself in a racist or subliminally racist manner; and/or
- You have conducted yourself in a manner which is unbecoming of an employee in your position
- Your conduct has brought CSA into disrepute.
