Temba Bavuma, captain of the Proteas team, stated that he understands the reasons for the low fan turnout during the first test match against Australia, which was held at Kingsmead Stadium. He expressed hope for improved spectator support during the match scheduled at St George's Park this week.
Only 4,108 spectators were present on the first day of the match in Durban. Despite the participation of two leading world cricket teams, the number of fans remained modest throughout the five-day game.
This issue attracted attention both locally and internationally. Australian spinner Nathan Lyon admitted that he expected a larger crowd. After the third day, he noted: 'Honestly, I expected more of a crowd. When the Australian team plays South Africa in South Africa, when number one and number two are competing, I expected a bigger crowd.'
The Australian side had anticipated much greater public interest upon returning to South Africa for the first time since 2018, when the ball-tampering scandal in Newlands created one of the most hostile atmospheres in the series recently. Instead, they played in front of mostly empty stands, winning the two-match series 1-0.
The attendance figures sharply contrasted with the more than 50,000 fans who attended the MTN8 final between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium that same weekend.
Several factors were cited as reasons for the disappointing attendance at Kingsmead, including unrest in the city center of Durban during the match, but the economic situation in the country remains undeniable. Bavuma believes that many South Africans simply cannot afford the expenses.
'We saw that the stands were not full. We understand the situation in South Africa,' the captain said in his native isiXhosa, after which he was translated. 'Things are expensive. Prices for petrol, diesel, and all other goods have risen, so it is difficult for people to find money to buy tickets.'
The Proteas captain also acknowledged that the players are responsible for providing performances that attract fans to the stadiums. Bavuma added: 'We hope things will be different in Gqeberha, and people will come. It is also up to us, as players, whether we can play at the level people expect from us when we are given the opportunity to play for Proteas.'
South Africa trails Australia 1-0 in the two-match series ahead of the second and final match at St George's Park.