A recent episode of the podcast ‘The Load Shed’ turned reflective as Thando Ntini shared somber revelations about the challenges his father, Makhaya Ntini, faced due to racism during his tenure in the South African cricket team. Makhaya, a venerated cricketer and the first black player to represent the South African team, experienced a profound sense of isolation and had to continually fight discrimination within the sport.
Thando conveyed the emotional struggle Makhaya dealt with, stating, “A couple of years back he actually spoke out he just felt like he was constantly fighting for his life. The only guy there you know I understand he probably felt lonely. It sucks to hear him when he can count with his hands how many times he was invited to a dinner with the gents.”
The alienation extended to social events, a narrative Thando shared to bring light to the gravity of his father’s situation. “You know when you go on tour and when you arrive you make plans about ‘okay guys we’re going to go to a certain place for dinner’, you are keen (but) he never had someone knock at his door and be like ‘You keen to join us for dinner?’ So it just felt like for him it was always survival mode and just trying to create a future for himself and his family,” Thando reflected.
One of the poignant truths in this account is how such experiences impact not just the individual but extend to their loved ones. Makhaya Ntini’s decision to remain reticent about his tribulations today is influenced by his desire to shield Thando from a potentially toxic environment. “Post cricket, he doesn’t speak about it. He doesn’t want to create a hostile environment for me in the industry because of the stuff that he says. At the end of the day most of the coaches in our system have either played with him or the ex-players or whatever,” Thando noted.
This silence is a form of paternal protection, allowing Thando to forge his path without the burden of his father’s setbacks. “When he speaks to me he’s just like ‘I keep quiet to protect you so that you can have a long-lasting career and I want you to have a smooth career and you make your own mistakes,” said Thando, summarizing the supportive but cautious advice.
While the emotional scars remain, Makhaya Ntini’s legacy within cricket is undeniable. His prolific career has him situated as the third-highest wicket-taker for South Africa in Test cricket with a formidable 390 dismissals, trailing only behind Dale Steyn (439 wickets) and Shaun Pollock (421 wickets). His One Day International (ODI) record is similarly impressive, claiming the fourth spot with 265 wickets in 172 matches, preceded by Shaun Pollock (387), Allan Donald (272), and Jacques Kallis (269).
Makhaya Ntini’s achievements paint the picture of a relentless competitor, yet Thando’s account exposes the darker shades of his career marked by his battle against racial prejudice. His trials serve as a stark reminder of the challenges athletes of color have faced and continue to confront in sports industries worldwide.
The lingering effects of Makhaya’s struggle are evident not only in his personal narrative but also in the conscious choices he makes to avoid discussions that might affect Thando’s budding career. It highlights the complexities of generational challenges within a sport still grappling with diversity and inclusivity.
As cricket audiences around the globe celebrate Makhaya Ntini’s remarkable statistical feats, his personal journey through an environment rife with racism adds a profound layer to his stature. Thando’s revelations advocate for a more inclusive future in cricket, one that his father courageously aspired to build despite the obstacles he faced.
