Share

Monde Zondeki calls it a day

Cape Town - Cape Cobras and former Proteas fast bowler, Monde Zondeki, 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 would stay on as a temporary member of the administrative staff at the Cobras while he planned 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 team mates 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.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE