The acting CEO of the Border Cricket Board, Greg Hayes, and Warriors coach Mickey Arthur dropped a bombshell when they announced on Wednesday that Protea express bowler Monde Zondeki has decided to pursue his career with the Western Province-Boland franchise from next summer.
”He goes with our blessing,” Hayes said. ”Naturally we’re disappointed at his leaving but we accept his decision and wish him well.”
Hayes said that he and Arthur had a meeting with the young bowler earlier this week to confirm that he would be available for the Warriors next summer but Zondeki said he had received a firm offer from the Western Cape franchise to join them next season.
With former Protea fast-bowler Mfeneko Ngam likely to join the Warriors next summer, Arthur’s dream of having three Test bowlers in an out-and-out three-prong pace attack for the Warriors — Makhaya Ntini is the other bowler — has been shattered with the news of Zondeki’s decision to leave.
”We are, of course, disappointed but at the same time pleased for Monde,” Arthur commented on Wednesday. ”I feel, however, our coaching staff have done their duty. We got him back in the national team and he now leaves with our blessing.”
Zondeki was due to leave on Wednesday for an eight-week tour of the West Indies with the Proteas, his second major tour overseas, and he divulged his reasons for leaving the Eastern Cape franchise.
”Cape Town is like my second home,” Zondeki said. ”I was brought up by my aunt Pam Tshwete, and whenever I have some free time I stay with her in Cape Town. It’s really not a cricketing decision.
”I’ve been very happy playing for the Border Bears and the Warriors, and they have really looked after me, even during my school days, but I’ve made up my mind now to move to Cape Town.”
Zondeki has an impressive Test record to date. In two matches, he has captured nine wickets at an average of 14,44. He scored a match-winning 59 in his first Test innings against England in 2003, his only half-century in first-class cricket. — Sapa