Coach Mickey Arthur and captain Graeme Smith have both rejected claims by South Africa’s largest trade union that white players receive preferential treatment.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) released a statement saying they would be looking after black players’ rights because the South African Cricketers Association failed to do so.

The labour union came out strongly in a statement, saying: "The white wonder boys are not as invincible as they would have us believe.

"We have for a long time seen how the cricket environment is dominated by the existing cricket association who appears to act in the main on behalf of white players.

"A number of black players have approached COSATU and we will be representing their interests in discussions with the cricket authorities and sponsors."

But Arthur rejected this, pointing to the on-field successes of the Proteas, who have recaptured the number one spot in the one-day game and are on course to do the same in Test cricket.

"This has arguably been South Africa’s best season," Arthur said. "We played 39 international matches this year and won 32 - I don’t think you can argue with that.

"I think the success of the team is indicative of the processes that have been put in place.

"With success, there will be fewer off-field issues than there might be without success. I’m comfortable that things have been sorted out and we are going from strength to strength."

Captain Graeme Smith echoed those sentiments, saying that there was a system in place and it was working well from a player’s point of view.

"As players we just want to see that the system is right, and that it can be trusted," said Smith. "We don’t want to have any issues like we had before the last couple of tours.

"Hopefully we can now concentrate on the cricket, and the cricket will now be the main focus of the players, the administration and the media."

Cricket South Africa has been under fire this season after its president, Norman Arendse, interfered more than once in team selection to find places for black players against the national selectors’ wishes.

Cricket South Africa chief executive Gerald Majola would not be drawn on the conflict.

Majola told Business Day that Cricket South Africa had a transformation review committee and any body or individual wanting to comment, or with recommendations, could do that through the committee.

"They can send a letter saying whom they represent and make any comments or recommendations," he said.

Majola also defended the South African Cricketers Association (SACA): "SACA represents more than 90% of our players. It has a role to play."