When the nationwide anthems blare out in Dharamsala on Tuesday 17 October 2023 forward of South Africa’s World Cup, match towards the Netherlands, don’t be stunned in case you see a lot of Dutch gamers mouthing the phrases to each.
There are 5 South African-born gamers in the Dutch squad, every of them arriving virtually by happenstance to be sporting the proud orange jersey in India.
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At the high of the order meet Leicestershire batter Colin Ackermann, who has signed to affix Durham subsequent summer season, and Sybrand Engelbrecht, as soon as of Western Province. Somerset’s spinning all-rounder Roelof van der Merwe is available in a bit decrease to lend a little bit of biff to the middle-order.
Fast medium bowler Ryan Klein, the youngest of the 5 at 26, and 39-year-old Wesley Barresi, a veteran of the 2011 World Cup, each play their cricket in the Netherlands.
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“Ackermann has already shown his class, Barresi and Van Der Merwe are very experienced and very important to the success of the team,” former opener Stephan Myburgh instructed AFP.
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“It was without doubt a highlight of my career and a day I’m extremely proud of, but I did feel extremely sorry for South Africa,” says Myburgh, who will probably be watching Tuesday’s sport from his house simply north of Rotterdam.
The historical past of the Dutch settlers in the Cape in the seventeenth century means there is a component of combined heritage for a lot of South Africans, making the transition to the Netherlands a comparatively easy one.
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It has additionally led to a closeness between the groups. “The Proteas are a nice bunch of guys and are actually always keen to share some thoughts with our youngsters. That’s great,” says Myburgh.
If relations between the sides are heat, Myburgh admits that for some, there’s an additional need to shine towards the nation of their beginning.
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“I know a lot of players have felt let down by the (South African) system or felt they never got the opportunity, and I know they feel very much like ‘I will show you’,” he says.
“For me, again, it was never like that, but there was never a nicer international game than playing against them, and of course, I always wanted to win.”
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In phrases of loyalties for Tuesday, Myburgh is in little question. “I want South Africa to win the World Cup but would love to see the Dutch win this game,” he says.
“If I’m honest, I give the Dutch team about a five per cent chance for this game. The Proteas are looking very strong at the moment.” And as for these South African-born Dutchmen humming both anthems?
“I’m extremely proud to have represented the Netherlands, but I will always love the country of my birth,” says Myburgh. “So whenever that anthem plays, I get goosebumps and just want to start singing along.”
© Agence France-Presse
