The Proteas will be looking to put the off-field turmoil that engulfed Cricket SA (CSA) over the past few days behind them when they take on Sri Lanka in the first of three ODIs in Colombo on Thursday.
SA departed the country this week with a dark cloud over the head of embattled coach Mark Boucher, who is at the centre of allegations of racial discrimination.
The national team also left for the sub-continent, for this important tour which is part of the final preparations for the T20 World Cup in October, without assistant coach Enoch Nkwe, who stepped down this week.
In Sri Lanka the Proteas are scheduled to play three ODIs and as many T20s in Colombo from September 2-14 and there are genuine concerns about the sprit in the camp.
Upon arrival in Sri Lanka, Proteas spinner Tabraiz Shamsi expressed his sadness that Nkwe has stepped down but added that he respected his decision.
"It is sad that Enoch resigned," said Shamsi.
"I am sure that he had his reasons and we wish him all the best and I fully respect the choice that he's made.
"At the end of the day this is sports and these kinds of things can happen. We all just have to move forward and wish each other well."
Looking ahead of the ODI series, Shamsi said they will have to quickly acclimatise to the humid conditions.
"It has been raining since we got here early in the week and from my past experiences of Sri Lanka, one thing that definitely hits you is the humidity and a lot of sweat," he said.
"The weather has always been like that with the rain on and off and that can be disruptive but we are aware of it. Those are the things that you prepare for beforehand and you don't let it affect you," said Shamsi, adding that he is looking forward to testing himself on pitch conditions that are expected to be favourable to spinners.
Proteas spinner Tabraiz Shamsi expressed his sadness that Nkwe has stepped down but added that he respected his decision
"For me personally, I am going out there to do the job for the team as best I can.
"One thing we do know is that with the groundsman at the stadium the outfield is not going to be much of a problem."
Shamsi has been impressive during the recent tour of the West Indies and Ireland but he still wants to improve on his game given that the T20 World Cup is just around the corner.
"I am somebody who is never happy with my bowling performances even with the good series that I had in the West Indies and Ireland. I was not completely happy with my bowling because there were a couple of things that I wanted to work on behind the scenes.
"Maybe we may be able to see a couple of sixes and boundaries here and there when the team needs it the most. It is always good to contribute to the team, but there is always something happening behind the scenes.
"I do believe that we have one of the best bowling attacks in the world, and all we need is game time. The talent in the squad is there, we may be a little bit inexperienced at international level but it doesn't mean that we don't have the skills. We showcased that against a very strong West Indies team and against Ireland."
The Proteas will be without Lungi Ngidi, Quinton de Kock and David Miller for the ODI but senior players like Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, Anrich Nortjé and Kagiso Rabada are there to help the team.
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