Johannesburg – Cape Cobras and former South African bowler, Monde Zondeki, 30, has decided to call an end to his cricket career following persistent back injury problems.
“The prognosis by his doctors is that Monde has multiple level degenerative changes in his lumbar spine and that it is highly unlikely that his back would stand up to sustained fast bowling,” said Cobras CEO Andre Odendaal on Monday.
“He has been advised further that not even major spinal surgery might improve his back to the extent he could once again play competitive cricket.”
Zondeki will stay on as a temporary member of the administrative staff at the Cobras while he pland his future path, which included further studies, the development of his budding career as a SuperSport television commentator and an advanced CSA level three coaching course.
“It’s been a good innings for me, though at times frustrating because of the injuries, and I look forward to remaining involved and giving back to the game in future,” Zondeki said.
“I owe the different provinces I have played for and my teammates over the years a special word of thanks.”
Zondeki, who was born in King Williams Town, made his first-class debut for Border against New Zealand in 2000/2001.
His 12-year career, spanned over 200 top-flight games, including six Tests, 13 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 91 games for the Cobras.
He dismissed Marvin Atapattu with his first ball in international ODI cricket in Bloemfontein in 2002 and his 11 wickets in the 50-over format came at an average of 45.81.
His best Test bowling figures for South Africa were 6/39 against Zimbabwe in 2004/05. He also took 6/37 for SA A in a limited overs game against Sri Lanka in 2003/04.
In 2007/08 when he captured 62 wickets in 11 first-class games, an achievement which saw him named one of South Africa’s five Cricketers of the Year. He took 54 of these wickets for the Cobras and this tally remained a record for the franchise in a season.
On the batting side, he and Gary Kirsten equalled the eighth-wicket partnership record of 150 for South Africa when he scored 59 against England at Leeds in his debut Test. – Sapa