The Story of 3 South African Cricket Legends: How Did Their Lives Change After 1991?

Three decades ago, South Africa was welcomed back into the global sports community following twenty years of isolation enforced by the apartheid regime. The nation emerged as a united country despite significant disparities, and quickly made a mark in international sports.

After making a comeback, the cricket team narrowly missed securing a spot in the World Cup final. Within a short period, they gained a reputation as one of the top teams in the world. In 2012, they achieved the remarkable feat of being ranked number one in all formats of the game. Over the past couple of years, they have faced various challenges both in their management and on the field. Additionally, significant attention has been drawn to the issue of inclusivity, or rather, the absence thereof.

How much progress have they made since 1991? And how much further do they have left to travel? We interviewed Dave Richardson, who participated in the initial series after readmission and later became the ICC's chief executive during most of the 2010s. We also spoke with Vincent Barnes, a former cricketer from the early '90s who was not selected for the national team, and Geoffrey Toyana, a renowned coach in the sport who was still in school at the time. They shared their insights on readmission and their personal experiences with cricket in South Africa over the past three decades.

At What Point Were You in Your Cricket Career in 1991?

Dave Richardson: “I had contemplated the idea of stepping away from cricket and dedicating myself fully to my legal career once again. I began a new family at a young age. I had the necessary qualifications and was employed at a law firm. I had a rather pessimistic outlook on the political situation, and I couldn't fathom the possibility of any substantial transformation occurring within my cricket lifetime [in terms of a comeback from sporting isolation]. Suddenly, we received unexpected news that things had shifted: Nelson Mandela was going to be set free, and this tour to India in 1991-92 was confirmed. It breathed new life into my career. It motivated me to continue for an additional eight years.”

Geoffrey Toyana: “During that period, I was in Grade 11. I used to play cricket in Soweto, and we would often compete against prestigious cricket schools such as KES and St Stithians. However, there were occasions when we needed help to field a complete team and would show up to the ground with only eight or nine players. In addition, I had the opportunity to participate in the prestigious national Under-19 tournament known as Coke Week during that same year.”

“We were a group of eight children. There were instances when my mother faced the dilemma of either providing me with R20 to cover the cost of three taxi rides to attend practice at the Wanderers, or utilising that same amount to purchase bread. At times, I would choose to travel on foot, navigating the complex world of political conflicts between the IFP (Inkatha Freedom Party) and the ANC (African National Congress). I would pass through areas filled with hostels, always aware of the potential danger that lurked around every corner. As a young child, I vividly remember the unsettling experience of witnessing people being shot from passing trains as I walked by.”

Vincent Barnes: “At the age of 31, doubts began to arise regarding my ability to continue performing at a high level. I was also involved in professional football, but I wasn't earning any income from either, so it became a time for making important decisions. I chose to pursue cricket as my path, and I had a strong desire to become a coach. During my mid-twenties, I had the opportunity to play cricket in England. It was an overseas experience that allowed me to broaden my horizons. While I was there, I took the initiative to enrolenroll in a coaching course, further enhancing my skills and knowledge in the sport.”

“At home, our cricket, which individuals from diverse backgrounds enjoyed, was primarily for leisure. However, with the advent of unity after the end of apartheid, there arose a chance to dedicate more effort towards coaching.”

What Occurred Directly Following Readmission?

Richardson: “I approached things on a daily basis. Another topic of discussion arose when it was announced that South Africa had secured their spot in the 1992 World Cup and would also be embarking on a tour to the West Indies. Everything unfolded rapidly, and subsequently, it seemed as though everyone collectively exhaled in relief. 

The enthusiasm extended beyond the team and the sport of cricket. It appeared as though the entire nation was swept up in the excitement of rejoining the World Cup.” 

“As a newly appointed partner at my legal firm, I informed my colleagues that I would be temporarily absent and offered to contribute the earnings from my cricket endeavours towards generating fees for the firm. After a span of three or four years, our earnings from cricket began to increase. This prompted me to consider taking unpaid leave in order to rely solely on my cricket income.”

“I continued playing for as much time as I possibly could, but during the past few years, I encountered difficulties with my right hip. After a thorough examination, it was determined that my hip had essentially deteriorated. I was struggling and relying on pain relievers to make it through a day in the field, fully aware that my body was no longer capable of handling it.”

Toyana: “Becoming a professional cricketer was never something I anticipated. I had the privilege of making my debut in the world of first-class cricket back in 1995. This game marked the inaugural match at Elkah Stadium [in Soweto]. I had the opportunity to be on the same team as Hansie Cronje and Jonty Rhodes in a match against an England XI. In that same year, I had the opportunity to visit Lord's and dedicate six months to working with the ground staff. It was during this time that I recognised the potential for a future in cricket. I was lucky to have a father who consistently motivated me, but it saddens me to think about the numerous black cricketers we missed out on during that period. These were talented cricketers from Soweto who were unfortunately denied the chance to showcase their skills.”

Barnes: “I had the opportunity to participate in club cricket and provincial cricket for the Western Province B side. I also had the chance to join the Benson & Hedges series for a few years, and I performed admirably. I found myself dedicating a significant amount of my time and effort to coaching. Eventually, my enthusiasm for playing waned. I reached a total of 34. I had the pleasure of playing alongside some of the individuals who were participating in the game back in 1991, and we developed a strong bond of friendship.”

“I had expected a more significant number of cricketers to emerge from the board [South African Cricket Board, which oversaw cricket for non-white players during the years of isolation], but unfortunately, this did not happen. And that was quite disheartening for me. There were ample possibilities to exert a more significant influence on the selections and provide more players with opportunities, but unfortunately, that did not come to fruition.”

What Are Your Aspirations for the Upcoming Three Decades of South African Cricket, and How Do You Envision Your Role in It?

Richardson: “I propose that we visit the golf club. Following our game, there seems to be a lot of discussion surrounding cricket. I hope to hear people expressing their enthusiasm for their respective teams, and when South Africa A is on the pitch, I wish to witness a collective excitement surrounding the team.”

“Winning a World Cup would certainly be an outstanding achievement, but it's important to remember that it's not the only measure of success. If individuals can rally behind their team, and perceive it as their own, and contribute to it.

I have completed my journey as an administrator. I've had a great time being part of this, but it could benefit from someone with more enthusiasm. I would consider serving on a board, perhaps. However, when it comes to working tirelessly, I have fulfilled my responsibilities.”

Toyana: “The crucial factor is progress. As a coach, I have complete faith in the potential of young cricketers. I have them on my side. I had the opportunity to face off against Wiaan Mulder during his final year of high school. We should consider establishing cricket academies in underprivileged areas. That holds great significance, not only for me, but also for my children and future generations.”

Barnes: “The most significant aspect of the present is the individuals I have the privilege of collaborating with at this moment. I have an impressive team of coaches, which has dramatically enhanced our high-performance structure. It's a collective of individuals collaborating and aligning their efforts towards a common goal, which is truly commendable. This is the type of framework that will propel our cricketers to new heights, but there is a substantial amount of work that lies ahead. We have the appropriate frameworks established. And we are determined to emerge victorious in the World Cup. It's unnecessary to dwell excessively on the trophy itself; our focus should be on devising a winning strategy to attain it.”