This article may contain graphic and/or adult content unsuitable for minors and sensitive readers.
Makhaya Ntini’s playing days are all but over after he was not offered a new contract by the Chevrolet Warriors. CEO Dave Emslie says Ntini was part of the process when it came to naming the 18-man contracted squad for the 2013/2014 season. “He was very accepting and said we need to do what is right for the team,” said Emslie. “Makhaya has been a magnificent servant of Border and EP cricket and we will be planning the appropriate send-off for him in the new season. We are also of the view that Makhaya still has a big role to play in coaching in the Eastern Cape and at Cricket South Africa level. It is important that his name and intellectual property live on,” said Emslie.
Emslie described Makhaya’s omission from the squad as a ‘natural exit’ along with those of Arno Jacobs, Justin Kreusch and Lyall Meyer who were also not offered new contracts. “It is important that we have a balance and that the new guys come into the system,” said Emslie. “Now it is that time.”
The two new signings for the Warriors are 19 year old Solomzi Nqweni from Port Elizabeth and former Knights batsman Ryan Bailey. Nqweni attended Grey High School and has played EP u19, SA u19 and EP Provincial Cricket. He is a right arm medium/fast bowler who is currently at the EP Cricket Academy. 30-year-old Bailey has extensive experience having played 97 first class, 103 limited over and 60 T20 matches. He is currently playing overseas and will return to set up home in Port Elizabeth in September.
The Warriors two nationally contracted players are Colin Ingram and Wayne Parnell. Also contracted by the franchise are Rusty Theron and Ashwell Prince who are no-longer contracted by Cricket South Africa.
