AB de Villiers: South Africa upbeat

“There is no use going down and feeling low on confidence going into the tournament. The secret for us is to go to the Champions Trophy feeling like we can beat anyone,” says AB de Villiers.

AB de Villiers...ready to pick up the gauntlet.

Looking ahead to the Champions Trophy, scheduled to commence on June 1, AB de Villiers is aware that there is no easy formula for success. “We know we have to go through a big process to get to the final. We are excited to get things going,” the South Africa skipper explains.

“It’s an ICC event with the top eight teams in the world competing for a trophy; it will be a great achievement to win it,” AB de Villiers said to the media in Leeds.

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“We know we have to go through a big process to get to the final. We are excited to get things going.

“It doesn’t get any better than playing in England before a big tournament against the hosts in a competitive ODI series,” the South African skipper explained.

“The trick is to make sure that you still perform well. There is no use going down and feeling low on confidence going into the tournament. The secret for us is to go to the Champions Trophy feeling like we can beat anyone.”

The Proteas extended their condolences and sympathy to the victims and families of those affected by the bombing incident in Manchester. 

“It was a big shock and what happened is sad and unfortunate,” de Villiers said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected but it is also important for us to focus on what our job at hand is. We are representing a proud sporting nation back home and it is important to make sure that we give our best performances. We have trust in the authorities and the people in control to make sure we are safe, that is the focus. It is important for myself, the coach and team manager to convey that type of message to the players and to keep them focused on the task.”