SEVENTY-YEAR-OLD KwaMbonambi cricket player Errol Boullé is currently the second oldest player in the world still active in the game.
Veteran West Indian cricketer Cecil Wright, still racing in to bowl at the age of 79, holds the age record.
Boullé, who played a major role in Kwambo’s win against Empangeni Rugby Club last weekend, says he is far from retirement.
On his birthday in 2012, he took a double hat-trick to end with figures of 6/11 in a Saturday League clash.
Umfundisi, as he known by the locals, is a living bowling machine that keeps taking wickets and turning games into his team’s favour while most of his peers’ sporting adventures are restricted to bowls.
Boullé was born in Kokstad before moving to Zululand (uMfolozi) to farm in 1967.
Farming was a way of life for this Christian family man who has five daughters and one son.
Boullé 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 started playing cricket in 1955 as a wicketkeeper and changed to an opening bowler later on in his career.
He holds records in Ladysmith, Bergville and Escourt for ‘Cricket Ball Throwing’, a sport where distance is measured on how far one can throw a cricket ball.
He joined the KwaMbonambi Cricket Club in 1968 and has not missed a game since, where he is the leading wicket taker with 1 000 plus wickets to his name.
He played Sunday League cricket for Mtubatuba Cricket Club between 1968-1986 where he took over 89 wickets.
Boullé is a true number eleven batsmen with a top score of 20.
Mentor
He attributes his success over the years to South African cricketer Jimmy Mann, who coached him for years and taught him the secrets to bowling.
‘I will never choose another team to play for as the KwaMbonambi side has great team spirit, dedication and a bunch of wonderful guys,’ says Boullé.
‘My biggest dream is to coach at a local school, free of charge, where I can give back and impart my knowledge onto the younger generation.’
Boullé has played on many cricket pitches, including a game in Brisbane, Australia, but he rates Addison Park in Empangeni as the best.
‘Looking back at the 60s and 80s I remember my friends’ children in nappies watching our games and stealing the ball every now and then.
‘Back then I would never have dreamt that after their dads retired, I would still be playing cricket with their sons.
His children Karen, Juan, Jackie, Yolande, Leonie and Janie and wife Heather are proud of him and support his cricket as much as they can.
‘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 his age, he builds vintage cars, tractors and trailers out of wood for children to play with.
Fishing, photography and going to the game reserve is what he loves to do to unwind.
‘I must thank Paul Mannix for everything that he has done for me.’
So, if you find yourself facing ‘Oupa’ Errol in a club game, do not make the mistake of underestimating him. You’ll certainly be Boulléd out.
So proud of my Dad! Thank you for writing such a lovely piece on his achievements!