Diamonds are the radiant symbol of victory, each facet reflecting the light of triumph and the strength of perseverance.
And when these diamonds come wrapped in the South African green and gold or perhaps even the test whites, they become even more radiant.
A true testament to the strength of perseverance for every South African sportstar with the spirit to conquer any adversity if you ask me.
Why do I say this?
The reason is not one but three as South Africa has fervently radiated the light of triumph on the world stage this weekend.
The Springboks thrashed Australia for a second consecutive time in the Rugby Championship in Perth, followed by the Proteas thumping the once mighty West Indies to stake their claim yet again on the Sir Vivian Richards Trophy.
And the cherry on the cake, the South African Mixed Martial Artist, Dricus du Plessis retaining his Middleweight UFC Championship by making Israel Adesanya submit to his hold of death.
Truth be told, if this is not special then what is?
Three victories in three different sporting disciplines over the last couple of days.
Yes, let this sink in!
A feeling of ecstasy that has undoubtedly elevated my contentment for a heart that beats for South Africa.
So as the excitement and ecstasy build, let’s bring our focus to one of the three victories that serves as the fodder for this piece. The South African Test team conquering West Indies for a consecutive 10th time, the most by any Test playing nation.
Yes, the last 10 series between these nations have seen South Africa come on top, which is undoubtedly a testimony to the quality of the Proteas when they lock horns with the Men in Maroon.
Yesterday, a few 100 spectators at Providence, Georgetown, Guyana witnessed South Africa snatch a 40-run win over a resilient West Indies in the second test of the two-match series.
This after the first test resulted in a rare draw in world cricketcourtesy 150 odd overs being lost to inclement weather.
Set a target of 263 runs, the West Indians were left reeling at 104 for 6 before left arm spinner Gudakesh Motie made a valiant 45 to bring the hosts 40 runs shy of what could have been an indomitable taste of triumph for the once mighty forces of cricket.
The Test undoubtedly could have gone both ways, but the experience of the Proteas bowling attack in Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj ensured South Africa provide a diamond too big for the Motie called West Indies.
This after, South Africa’s keeper, Kyle Verreynne also safeguarded the Proteas batting with a gritty 59 on a pitch that was a bit two-paced albeit still conducive for stroke play.
KG took three wickets in the second innings to take his tally just shy of 300 in tests whereas Maharaj, by mounting 13 scalps in the series became the most successful spinner for South Africa with 171 wickets eclipsing veteran spinner, Hugh Tayfield whose record stood at 170 cherries.
With new records being set and the taste of South African victory becoming even sweeter, the die hard Mzansi faithful has undoubtedly got his money’s worth as the weekend draws to a close.
Let’s hope one sees South Africa consistently shining bright on the world stage, as when the tip of Africa is radiant, the light emits far and wide!
