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South African fast bowling great Makhaya Ntini announced his retirement all forms of international cricket.
South African fast bowling great Makhaya Ntini announced on Tuesday his retirement from all forms of international cricket.
“It's been a happy journey, but all things come to an end,” said Ntini, who was the first and most successful African player to represent South Africa.
He had a brilliant career, finishing 390 Test wickets - the 11th highest of all time, and second highest by a South African.
He holds the South African records for the best bowling figures in Test cricket (a match return of 13/132 versus the West Indies at Trinidad in 2005), in ODI cricket (6/23 against Australia at Sahara Park Newlands in 2006) and of the most 10-wicket hauls in Tests (four, a mark he shares with Dale Steyn).
He is also the only South African bowler to take 10 wickets in a Test match at the mecca of cricket, the famous Lord's ground in London.
Ntini said he would continue to play for his franchise, the Warriors, and also announced that he would open a cricket academy in East London.
An emotional Ntini said he had never dreamt that he would achieve the distinction of playing in 100 Test matches.
“Being the first black player to represent South Africa, I had to work very hard,” he said.
“But, the captains I played under – the late Hansie Cronje, Shaun Pollock and Graeme Smith – supported me 150 percent. They made me realise it was not about colour, but about what I could do,” he said.
Ntini thanked Cricket South Africa (CSA) for its support when he was convicted of rape in 2000. He was later acquitted on appeal.
“That was the hardest time of my life, but people like the late Khaya Majola and Dr Ali Bacher supported me and believed in me,” he said.
The former Protea said the name Makhaya should not just be remembered as a name, but as symbolic of energy, dedication, pride and ubuntu.
“That is how I would like people to remember me,” he said.
He expressed concern that talented players were identified in the rural areas, but later slipped through the cracks.
“That is what I am planning to do with my academy - see that they don't disappear after six months,” he said.
CSA chief executive Gerald Majola paid tribute to Ntini, and said he would make a last appearance in the green and gold in the Standard Bank Pro20 match against India at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on January 9.
“We can't let a great player like Makhaya say goodbye off the field,” he said.
“So, we have told the selectors to include him in that match and give his fans an opportunity to bid him farewell.”
CSA President Dr Mtuthuzeli Nyoka praised Ntini for succeeding against “unspeakable odds” and described him as a man of destiny.
“We salute you as a cricketer, as an African, and as a man,” said Nyoka. – Sapa
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Cheryl Jacobs, wrote
Thanks Makhaya you have giving us hours of pleasure watching you play. We will miss your bubbly personality on the field
Peter Besnard, wrote
A player to be admired in every respect having turned adversity on it's head.He showed the world what could be achieved through hard work and earned the respect of cricketers across the globe.
Sharleen, wrote
Well done Ntini. I will surely miss you on the field. i wish you well with your academy.
Anonymous, wrote
Aww Makhaya! We will miss you, man! I always loved your gazelle-like victory dance after you took a wicket!! All the best with your academy. Keep them coming - all those talented youngsters!
Anonymous, wrote
What a legend. I've never seen a guy bowl 12 overs on the trot and look like he just came out the shower. I'll remember him for incredible physical and mental stamina.
Andy, wrote
No need to overreact people, "as the first and most successful African player to represent South Africa" this is just a brief history on this legend. and its not a state secret that in this particular sport, this country has been represented by non-black south africans...therefore it deserves a mention as part His achievements....no need to be touchy. focus is not about him being african, BUT being South African! Well done Makhaya!!!
Grant, wrote
Really glad they're giving him a "farewell match". Agree 100% that he deserves the opportunity - would've been really sad for him to just disappear into the background. Well done dude - you're one of the greats!
Teddy Ndlazi, wrote
Thank you for the wonderful memories. Your retirement was long overdue. I am sure watching Lonwabo Tsotsobe in action in the UAE convinced him to retire.
SaSupporter, wrote
Thank you Makhaya Ntini for giving me many many hours of entertainment watching u bowl.
Why, wrote
Wow I didn't realise that journos are also part taking in the whole... "Come lets mention his colour, when it is bloody obvious by his name and picture, which race he is", I'm really disappointed...
Anonymous, wrote
Of course it would be fitting for Makhaya to bow out on the field, so that "us" fans of SA cricket can appreciate his contribution to SA cricket, one last time. He's not deemed useless now, is he? He continued to make a meaningful contribution on the field. When Shaun Pollock bowed out (because of age, like Ntini), he was there, he was'nt there to play a to impress or for his livehood. What Majola meant is not trying to dictate and I'm sure it wasn't said or done like it's written on this article. Not a one line command. Please let just celebrate SA and it's heroes and try not to always be negative. To Makhaya WELL DONE! Thank you for giving us exciting cricket with Team SA. I wish your last match would have been in Cape Town.
Moses, wrote
Every ball that ntini delivered was always a potential wicket delivery. thank you
Heinster, wrote
He is running away now because they truth about how Graham Smith use to give them prostate massages with wickets before games is going to come out now with Hershies new book :-)
Racer @curious, wrote
I don't see anything wrong with him being referred to as an African. If it was, lets say, Graeme Smith they were talking about, they could aslo have said African. I suppose we have a way to go before race becomes something in the background.
Jobby, wrote
Well done Ntini, what a major accomplishment, now we need for the other senior guys as Kallis and company to also do the right thing and quit to make room for new talent.Allow Ntini the game, he has richly deserved the accolade of retiring on the field. Well done Majola and the selectors for allowing this.
Jobby, wrote
Well done Ntini, what a major accomplishment, now we need for the other senior guys as Kallis and company to also do the right thing and quit to make room for new talent.
Sabzinho, wrote
well done Mdingi Express...I will alwayz remember you all the best of luck...
BeeBee, wrote
Er... aren't all the players African? Since they were born in Africa?? That aside: COngratulation Ntini, you rock and your strong arm will be missed!!
Dolana Masuku, wrote
Thanks Makhaya for all the wickets, the great game and team spirit you have given us, the South African public. Wishing you all the best "Mdingi Express".
rodney, wrote
I can see the headlines already. Ntini destroys India with a 5 wicket haul.
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