Former Transvaal cricketer, coach, administrator and author Hoosain Ayob passed away this week. He was 81 years old.
Ayob played for Transvaal in the 1970s before moving into coaching and administration.
Cricket South Africa awarded him the Khaya Majola Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.
He authored the book, Crossing Boundaries, which was published in 2020.
“@OfficialCSA: Khaya Majola Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Hoosain Ayob #CSAawards13 #TrueLegend
— Paul Adams (@PaulAdams39) September 9, 2013
What ICC development manager for Africa Patricia Kambarami said
“I was truly sorry to hear of the sad loss of Hoosain. It is a very sad day for the entire cricket family in Africa,” said Kambarami.
“Hoosain worked with many African countries to inspire the national cricket associations and helped to establish the game and competitions we see today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ayob family.”
What CSA chief executive officer Pholetsi Moseki said
“Ayob was greater than life – he was humble, knowledgeable, and dedicated to cricket. He spent the better part of his life in the service of the game, with no personal expectations,” said Moseki.
“His passing is a great loss to cricket, yet his immense contribution will reverberate in the history of cricket for years to come.”
What CSA board chairperson Lawson Naidoo said
“Hoosain embodied all that was human. Cricket owes its current trajectory to the struggles that this accomplished warrior and his ilk waged against the unjust system of apartheid,” said Naidoo.
On behalf of the board of Cricket South Africa, I would like to thank the Ayob family for allowing Hoosain to serve the game of cricket so selflessly and diligently.
“You can be assured that through his relentless work, cricket in South Africa is in a better space than it was before. Our sincere condolences to the Ayob family and the many cricketers whom he has touched and groomed over the years. His footprints will certainly remain indelible.”
What Lions Cricket president Anne Vilas said
“Hoosain was a massive part of our cricketing history and our community. I thank him for all that he did for the sport of cricket – on field and off it,” said Vilas.
“He remained very close to the Lions Cricket family and we considered him a part of our pride. May you rest well and thank you once more for your love of life, your love of those around you and your love of cricket.”
What Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright said
“While his playing days were before my time, I had heard many stories about this special and formidable player. I had the privilege of meeting Hoosain many years ago through my coaching journey and often reached out to him for guidance and advice,” said Leaf-Wright.
“Since taking up my role at Lions Cricket, I have continued to turn to him many a time for that sound advice and guidance – he became a friend to me and was most certainly an asset to our game and many of our lives.
“I will miss him dearly, as I have no doubt many, many, many others will too. My strength, love and support goes out to his family, friends and all the communities this very special human being touched.”
What Titans CEO Jacques Faul said
“It’s a very sad day in cricket and us as Titans recognise his contribution to the game. He was a champion man and we will miss him dearly,” said Faul.