Wessels comes out fighting to clear his name

Kepler Wessels: 'I emphatically deny the incident took place' © Getty Images

Former South African captain Kepler Wessels has come out with all guns blazing in a bid to clear his name as quickly and completely as possible after accusations of racism leveled at him by two of his provincial players.

Wessels, coach at Eastern Province, has issued a statement in which he categorically denied the accusations and demanded an inquiry be held by Monday. According two newspaper reports, Wessels is alleged to have told white player Johann Louw to "stop talking nonsense to those two animals, I want you to bowl now" while Louw was standing with coloured squad members Lyall Meyer and Deon Carolus during a net practice last month.

"I emphatically deny the incident took place or that I have ever uttered any words remotely approximating the words that I am accused of uttering," Wessels said, adding that he has a sworn affidavit from Louw "that the incident never took place" and has asked that charges of racism similar to those bought against him be lodged against the two players.

The United Cricket Board (UCB) has ordered Eastern Province to suspend Wessels, although the coach maintains he has not been notified as such and intends to continue his coaching duties.

Wessels said he wanted to prove his innocence as quickly as possible. "I demand the investigation take place as soon as possible. I welcome it. The matter is in the hands of my legal advisors and we will fight it all the way. I am looking forward to the outcome."

Things may not happen quite as quickly as Wessels would like after the Eastern Province Cricket Board judicial manager Cliffie Louw told the local newspaper the Herald that a hearing had been set for Tuesday. Wessels is to be represented by local advocate Albert Beyleveld.

Wessels' no-nonsense, `how dare you?' reaction to the accusations sits neatly with the reputation he carved out as a player over a 20-year career as an opening batsman for both Australia and, later, his native South Africa on their readmission to international cricket. While he cussedly fought his way through many a fiery encounter in the middle, this may well be his toughest battle yet.