While he knows that it won’t be an easy task, former Proteas all-rounder, Jacques Kallis, is backing his team to make history by winning their first cricket World Cup.
The 39-year-old believes that the current squad is well equipped to challenge for major honours this year.
The Proteas have been in blistering form of recent, having swept aside West Indies with ease in their most recent series win.
They kick-off their World Cup campaign against Zimbabwe tomorrow (Sunday) at Seddon Park cricket ground in Hamilton, New Zealand.
The Proteas will also face India, West Indies, Ireland, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates in the group stages.
Speaking to the Saturday Star from London this week, Kallis said he was optimistic about South Africa's chances.
“I am really looking forward to watching them play, I hope they do well “ said Kallis, who’ll be working with Sky Sports in London for the duration of the World Cup.
“The climate and the pitches are well suited for us.
“The wickets are quick and bouncy which ideally suits us.”
Though the Proteas have never lifted a World Cup trophy before, Kallis believes the team are under no added pressure to win this year’s tournament.
“There is always pressure at World Cup time, that goes without saying. But it is no more than normal.”
Kallis has singled out AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, and Dale Steyn as the Proteas’ key players, and believes if the three are to continue their great form, the Proteas will be unstoppable.
But he is aware of the threat that teams such as Australia, New Zealand and India, pose to the Proteas.
Before announcing his retirement from international cricket, across all three formats, Kallis was working towards featuring at this years World Cup. Something he openly admits he wishes he was a part of.
“It was an objective to try and get there, but this never materialised.”
“That said, it will give me as well as everyone else here in SA unbelievable pleasure in seeing the Proteas win the tournament.”
Kallis also had some advice for his former team mates.
“Good luck boys. Calm heads at all times and enjoy the tournament.”
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that the Proteas will receive R45m should they bring home the World Cup trophy.
Cricket South Africa CEO Haroon Lorgat was speaking before the team’s departure for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand earlier this week.
“If they (the Proteas) finish the group stages unbeaten and then also be crowned as world champions, they will earn in the region of $4m (about R45m) in prize money,” Lorgat said.
The Cricket World Cup runs from February 14 to March 29. - Saturday Star