Time for Lance to stop hiding

I can’t let the week go by without penning my thoughts on the Lance Klusener issue.

I really cannot understand his reluctance to speak to the media, particularly guys who have known him for years and, let’s face it, have generally supported him loyally. The South African ‘journos’ are good blokes and far less harsh than some of the ‘poisoned pens’ that circle like piranhas snooping for a scandalous headline.

Some of the media boys are extremely upset and now Lance may well have caused himself some unnecessary anguish as one or two embark on a bit of a witch-hunt. The underlying dilemma is that this was not an isolated incident. Lance has been obdurate before.

Let me make one point lucid. I feel in my job with SuperSport that I have an obligation to our loyal supporters of Extra Cover. To accomplish that job professionally I must be able to deliver what our viewers desire and deserve.

If a player speaks to me, he is merely using me as a mouthpiece so that he communicates with his fans. That I feel is fundamental. By a player refusing to conduct an interview, in reality he is not disappointing me but his followers. That is the case in point.

The most astonishing thing to me about this issue is that I simply don’t understand why someone who has been through a lean patch of late, upon completing a scintillating century, would not be champing at the bit to receive a pat on the back and use the press conference as a platform to erase memories of poor form and announce to all and sundry that he’s back.

I would have been there like a shot and every single person I have spoken to has the same sentiments. In fact, I would have called the press conference!

I hear comments like Lance is shy and withdrawn. Hey, lots of people are introvert but come to grips with their emotions. I know Lance does speaking engagements so is that the real justification?

Okay UCB, now is the time to stamp your authority and insist that performance-related media interviews are compulsory. Forget about clauses in contracts. Just tell the guys that it obligatory. No ifs or buts!

Importantly, let us not forget that in the other members of the South African team, we are blessed with an exceptional group of individuals who are outstanding when it comes to media participation. The team in general is better that any other cricketing nation in this regard.

The captain, Shaun Pollock, is head and shoulders above any other skipper in the world as far as public relations go.

Let’s not allow one bad ‘Zulu’ spoil a good impi.