JOHANNESBURG, March 11: South Africa’s chief selector Omar Henry on Tuesday defended his team’s controversial quota system and insisted it can’t be used as an excuse for the country’s dismal World Cup performance.

“Cricketers, both black and white, must accept this as part of today’s set-up,” Henry said.

“We have a legacy that we have to correct, and we have to learn to function successfully within that context.”

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

Herschelle Gibbs, Makhaya Ntini, Robin Peterson, Charl Langeveldt and Monde Zondeki were the coloured players in the 15-man squad.

The selection of Boland seamer Langeveldt caused most uproar.

“What he does with what he has learned is up to him,” Henry told the Business Day.

“He can take negatives or he can take positives out of the experience and this will define his future.

“In 1992, I never played but what I learned about myself and what it took to be an international cricketer proved invaluable to me in the long run.”

Gibbs and Ntini were two of the team’s success stories in South Africa’s otherwise dismal World Cup campaign which ended at the first round stage.

Opening batsman Gibbs hit 384 runs with a best of 143 and average of 96 while pace bowler Ntini claimed 10 wickets at 17.60.—AFP