South Africa sports minister Fikile Mbalula has lauded AB de Villiers and his squad after they returned home from the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, insisting that he is very proud of the boys who haven't returned as chokers.
The South Africans bowed out of the World Cup at the semifinal stage, losing a tense match by four wickets to New Zealand in Auckland.
Speaking upon the team's arrival in Johannesburg on Friday, Mbalula said that he wouldn't have woken up to go there if he was going to welcome a bunch of losers or chokers, Sport24 reported.
Mbalula said that he saw a determined team that wanted to do best for its country and he is very proud of the boys.
The sports minister insisted that they won't cry over spilled milk, adding that they tried their best and they lost. He insisted that they should keep the fire burning.
Mbalula lauded De Villiers, saying that he led superbly as captain, and adding that he has made this nation proud.
