Super veteran cricketer out after knock of 77
KWAMBONAMBI cricket player Errol Boullé has finally made the decision of 'half' hanging up his cricket boots, leaving him with one foot in retirement and the other still out on the park.
The 77-year-old stalwart decided to step away from the game, but says he is still just a phone call away and still up for a game if needed.
'I wanted to retire last year, but owing to Covid-19, I only made the decision recently,' said Errol.
'In saying that, I am still available if needed to help out.'
Second-oldest cricket player in the world, Errol Boullé, takes a bow
Errol was the second-oldest cricket player still active worldwide, with veteran West Indian cricketer Cecil Wright retiring in 2019 at age 85.
Errol started playing the game in 1955 as a wicket-keeper and changed to an opening bowler later on in his career.
One of the many highlights of his long-standing career came in 2012 on his birthday, when he took a double hat-trick to end with figures of 6/11 in a Saturday league clash.
Umfundisi, as he is known by the locals, is a living bowling legend with more than 1 000 scalps under his belt.
Born in Kokstad, Errol moved to uMfolozi to farm in 1967.
Farming is a way of life for this family man who has five daughters and one son.
Errol stopped farming in 1998 and is currently working for New Holland Agriculture (Ritchie Auto Farm Equipment), where he works with upcoming farmers and sells farming equipment.
He developed a love for the game when his cricket coach encouraged him to play, and he has never looked back.
Over the years, Errol recorded a number of records in Ladysmith, Bergville and Escourt for Cricket Ball Throwing, a sport where distance is measured.
He joined the KwaMbonambi Cricket Club in 1968 and never missed a game.
He played Sunday league cricket for Mtubatuba Cricket
Club between 1968 and 1986, taking over 89 wickets.
But as a true number eleven batsman, his top score is 20.
Errol dedicates his success to South African cricketer Jimmy Mann, who coached him for years and taught him the secrets of bowling.
'UHDP
'My biggest dream is to coach at a local school free of charge, where I can give back and impart my knowledge to the younger generation.'
Errol played a game in
Brisbane, Australia, but says the best field he has played on is Addison Park in Empangeni.
'Looking back at the '60s and '80s, I remember my friends' children watching our games and stealing the ball every now and then.
'Back then I would never have dreamed that 15 years after their dads retired, I would still be playing cricket with their sons!'
Errol's children Karen, Juan, Jackie, Yolande, Leonie and Janie, as well as his wife Heather, are so proud of him and have been staunch supporters.
'All the glory must go to God for blessing me with my family, health and cricket skill. I am blessed with ten grandchildren.'
When not bowling out players a third of his age, he enjoys building vintage cars, tractors and trailers out of wood for children to play with.
Fishing, photography and going to the game reserve are what Errol loves to do to unwind.
'My favourite format of the game is the T20 competition.
'I must thank Paul Mannix for everything he has done for me.'