Celebrating SA cricket heritage: The legend that is Makhaya Ntini
Makhaya Ntini (pictured), South Africa’s first Black African cricketer, inspired generations with his legendary career, paving the way for future stars like Kagiso Rabada and Temba Bavuma. Picture: Anna Zieminski/AFP
Image: Anna Zieminski/AFP
It may have taken over 100 years for South Africa to see the first Black African play for the national men’s team, but when that honour went to fast bowler Makhaya Ntini in 1998, it was the beginning of a legendary career which became the inspiration for generations.
Ntini, now aged 48, went on to play 184 matches for the Proteas as he claimed 662 wickets across all three formats of the game.
Hailing from the Eastern Cape, Ntini was never the quickest, nor the straightest, bowler South Africa had ever seen. What he lacked in pace and accuracy, he made up for in passion, intensity, and dedication to his craft.
Back in the late '90s, there were few, if any, fast bowlers who could boast the extreme fitness levels Ntini held throughout his career.
Makhaya Ntini: The Heartbeat of the Proteas
He truly was the heart and soul of the Proteas team for over a decade. Even when he wasn’t bowling, his vociferous nature was heard on many a stump mic, no matter where he was fielding.
That aspect of the retired Ntini is still very much present, as I’ve been in many a press box covering a game when I’ve first heard the larger-than-life character enter the room long before he could be spotted.
However, his career was nearly derailed just as quickly as it had begun. In 1999, Ntini was convicted of rape. The United Cricket Board, though, helped with a successful appeal and he was acquitted.
After close to two years out of the side, Ntini returned to the team and quickly cemented his place for the next decade.
Ntini’s Legacy: Paving the Way for Future Stars like Rabada and Bavuma
There’s no understating the impact Ntini had on future generations, for which he laid the platform.
While the number of Black African cricketers to have played for South Africa is still extremely low, considering that demographic makes up around 80% of the country, it’s not a stretch to say that without someone like Ntini, there would not be a Kagiso Rabada or Temba Bavuma lighting up the biggest stage.
Rabada could easily go down as one of the greats of not just South African cricket by the time he hangs up his spikes, but in the history of the game.
And while Rabada possesses many of the traits Ntini lacked as a fast bowler, there’s no doubt the elder statesman can be proud of what future generations achieve, thanks in no small part to his contribution to the game.