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Mike Procter – A Cricketing Giant Remembered

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Mike Procter – A Cricketing Giant Remembered:

JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) mourns the passing of Mike Procter, one of the game’s greatest all-rounders, who has died at the age of 77.

CSA President Rihan Richards says: “Mike was not just a giant on the field but a beacon of hope and inspiration off it. His commitment to transforming the game, ensuring its growth among all sectors of our population, and mentoring hundreds of underprivileged youngsters in the Durban area, stands as a testament to his character and passion for cricket.”

Procter’s career as a fast bowler, capable off-spinner, hard-hitting middle-order batter, and astute captain is etched in the annals of cricket history. And beyond his playing days, he served the game in every conceivable role – as a national captain and coach, administrator, selector, commentator, elite ICC match referee, and, notably, and then dedicating his final years to coaching underprivileged children.

Chairman of CSA’s Board of Directors Lawson Naidoo said “Mike’s contributions to cricket, both on and off the field, have left an indelible mark on the sport, His efforts to promote cricket among the youth and his dedication to transformation have enriched our cricketing community and opened doors for young talent to emerge. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations.”

Procter’s achievements, including his remarkable record of twice taking a hat-trick and scoring a century in the same match, and his world-record six consecutive Currie Cup centuries for Rhodesia as it was then in 1970-71, highlight his extraordinary talent and impact on the game. Despite the sporting boycott against apartheid that limited his Test appearances, Procter’s performances remained legendary. He enthralled fans who turned out to watch him perform for Natal, Gloucestershire and Western Province. He was also coach at the Free State Cricket Union where he worked with some of South Africa’s greatest cricket talent.

Cricket South Africa extends its deepest sympathies to Procter’s wife, Maryna, and their children, Greg, Jessica, and Tammy, during this difficult time. His passing is a great loss to the cricketing world, but his legacy as a player, coach, mentor, and champion of growth and transformation in the game will forever be cherished and remembered.

Source: cricket.co.za

Adrian Kuiper (born 1959) – nine internationals, 21.33 average, 81 high score, 18 wickets, 21.78 average, 5-50 best, one five-wicket innings, one official Test: An aggressive lower-order batsman and bustling fast-medium bowler, Kuiper was Wessels’ vice-captain for the 1992 Cricket World Cup and the following one-off Test against the Windies.

– MyZA

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The FNB Stadium: The “Calabash” of a Nation

While the original stadium was built in 1989, its current iconic form was the result of a massive reconstruction for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The design, led by the architectural firm Boogertman + Partners, is deeply rooted in African symbolism. Its exterior is modeled after a calabash, the traditional African gourd or “melting pot.” The facade is composed of thousands of fiber-cement panels in eight different earth-toned colors, mimicking the fire and earth used to kiln the traditional pot. At night, the stadium is illuminated from below, creating the visual effect of a glowing fire beneath the “pot,” a symbol of the warmth and hospitality of the African continent.

The stadium’s capacity is a staggering 94,736, making it the largest stadium in Africa and the fourth largest in the world. But its significance transcends its scale. The site is a “theatre of history.” In 1990, just days after his release from 27 years of imprisonment, Nelson Mandela delivered his first speech to a massive, roaring crowd at the original FNB Stadium. It was here that he effectively signaled the beginning of the end of Apartheid. Decades later, in 2013, the same stadium hosted his memorial service, bringing the world together in a final farewell to “Madiba.”