By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Indian origin legendary fast bowler Hoosain Ayob has died following a prolonged illness, never having played for the country due to apartheid. He was 81.
Ayob had been internationally recognised as one of the greatest players in the history of the country but wasn’t allowed to represent it because of apartheid.
He succumbed to a kidney ailment in a hospital on Saturday morning while visiting family in Port Elizabeth.
The Lions Cricket family is deeply saddened to learn of the untimely passing of 81 year old, Hoosain Ayob. A stalwart of Transvaal and SACBOC cricket, Uncle Hoosain passed away in hospital in Gqeberha.
A notable fast-bowler, Hoosain was named by CSA as one of six South African best fast bowlers of the Century and was a recipient of Cricket South Africa’s Heritage blazer for his contribution to cricket. Uncle Hoosain was the first Head coach of the ICC Africa Division as the body expanded the game on the African continent. Representing Transvaal during the 1960’s and 1970’s for 17 consecutive seasons, he remained the attacks leading fast-bowler.
Lions Cricket President Anne Vilas Says;
“Hoosain was a massive part of our cricketing history and our community. I thank him for all that he did for the sport of cricket – on field and off it. He remained very close to the Lions Cricket family and we considered him a part of our Pride. May you rest well and thank you once more for your love of life, your love of those around you and your love of cricket.”
Post his playing days, Uncle Hoosain turned his attention towards growing schools cricket and serving as the Libra Primary School Principal. Going above and beyond, Hoosain also played a key role in conjunction with Dr Ali Bacher, in the establishment of the Bakers development Program in the 1980s. He wrote and administered many coaching programs run by the then UCBSA.
A member of the Transvaal team that won the Dadabhay Trophy in 1975, Hoosain lived for the game so says Jono Leaf-Wright;
“Whilst his playing days were before my time, I had heard many stories about this special and formidable player. I had the privilege of meeting Uncle Hoosain many years ago through my coaching journey and often reached out to him for guidance and advice. Since taking up my role at Lions Cricket, I have continued to turn to him many a time for that sound advice and guidance – he became a friend to me and was most certainly an asset to our game and many of our lives. I will miss him dearly, as I have no doubt many, many, many others will too. My strength, love and support goes out to his family, friends and all the communities this very special human being touched.”
He also served as manager of the Lions for one season and was involved as both a coach and administrator for the Lenasia Cricket Club till his passing. Uncle Hoosain was a wonderful supporter of Lions Cricket and the Proteas who didn’t miss a game and an opportunity to attend a match.
‘To ALMIGHTY do we belong, and to HIM do we return’.
SASCOC Mourns Passing of Hoosain Ayob
It is with a heavy heart that the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) has learnt of the passing of Hoosain Ayob and appreciates the hugely important role he played in cricket during the apartheid era.
“On behalf of SASCOC, we wish to express our sincere condolences to his family, friends and his community,” said SASCOC president Barry Hendricks.”Another giant tree has fallen and Hoosain’s contribution to society as an educator and cricket is acknowledged and appreciated,” he said.
Hoosain’s father died when Ayob was 10, and his family moved to Mia’s Farm, in what is now Midrand. There was a keen interest in sport at the farm and Hoosain was inspired; he went on to become both a provincial soccer player and a legendary cricketer.
He thrived as a fast bowler, becoming the first bowler to tally 100 wickets in the non-racial interprovincial matches of the 1960s. He would ascribe his success to tips gleaned while reading cricket books, and this characteristic studiousness carried through to his career as an educator.
Ayob received his BA from Unisa in 1975. He served as a teacher, headmaster and cricket coaching director, and became the International Cricket Council’s Director of Development for Africa in 1998.
He was the author of the book, Crossing Boundaries. “Hoosain became one of the greatest South African fast bowlers of the century, yet he was never selected for our country. He was a great sportsman who never gave up,” the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, said of the book.