JOHANNESBURG, March 17: Graeme Smith’s elevation to the South African captaincy came under fire on Monday with claims that the country’s selectors had missed a golden opportunity to appoint a black skipper.

“Graeme Smith has no leadership track record. The only record he has is that he’s been a white man all of his life,” said African National Congress Youth League chief Malusi Gigaba.

“We are subject to racism in sport which is perpetrated by whites who have no respect for Africans.”

The 22-year-old Smith replaced Shaun Pollock as skipper following South Africa’s humiliating first round exit.

“On what basis was he selected? Surely on the race card. The white administrators are not recognising Africans, particularly Makhaya Ntini who has been consistent and prove himself over and over again in the field of play,” Gigaba told the Sowetan newspaper.

Prior to the World Cup, former South Africa cricket chief Ali Bacher gave late sports minister Steve Tshwete a promise that five coloured players would be included in the 15-man squad.—AFP