Cape Town - Cape Cobras bowler, Johann Louw, on Friday announced that he will retire as a professional cricketer at the end of the current season.
Louw, 34, played three ODIs and two T20 matches for the Proteas and has represented Boland, Cape Cobras, Dolphins, Eagles, Eastern Province, Griqualand West, Middlesex and Northamptonshire. He ended his career in the top 50 all-time wicket takers in South African first class cricket with 443 wickets.
“As this journey comes to an end I am forever grateful for such a long and enjoyable 14-year career,” said Louw.
“There were lessons learned and memories made that will last me a lifetime. From my early days at Griquas to the Dolphins and then finishing an era at the Cape Cobras, where we have been so prolific over the past five seasons, the experiences will be with me forever.
“I would like to thank a few people for their significant contribution to my career. Firstly, as an early mentor Kepler Wessels was really outstanding. Learning from Shaun Pollock and Lance Klusener during my days with the Dolphins was probably the biggest privilege and rounded me as a cricketer.
"I want to also say a particular thank you to Northamptonshire County Cricket Club, the Dolphins and a special mention to the Cape Cobras for their belief in me and for the unwavering support over the years. I am thankful to the Lord for blessing me with the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing sporting family. I am excited about what the future holds for me and my family and I will always be a proud supporter of South African cricket.”
Cobras coach Paul Adams hailed Louw on his efforts.
“Well done to Johann on an illustrious career. His hard work and dedication has been admired by his peers. He is an inspiration to up and coming cricketers. All the best for the future,” said Adams.
South African Cricketers' Association (SACA) CEO, Tony Irish, said: “Johann has been a great contributor to first class cricket in South Africa for many years. He has been an active member of our players association and has performed outstandingly on the field and professionally off it. We thank him for his years of hard work and wish him all the best in his retirement.”
Louw, 34, played three ODIs and two T20 matches for the Proteas and has represented Boland, Cape Cobras, Dolphins, Eagles, Eastern Province, Griqualand West, Middlesex and Northamptonshire. He ended his career in the top 50 all-time wicket takers in South African first class cricket with 443 wickets.
“As this journey comes to an end I am forever grateful for such a long and enjoyable 14-year career,” said Louw.
“There were lessons learned and memories made that will last me a lifetime. From my early days at Griquas to the Dolphins and then finishing an era at the Cape Cobras, where we have been so prolific over the past five seasons, the experiences will be with me forever.
“I would like to thank a few people for their significant contribution to my career. Firstly, as an early mentor Kepler Wessels was really outstanding. Learning from Shaun Pollock and Lance Klusener during my days with the Dolphins was probably the biggest privilege and rounded me as a cricketer.
"I want to also say a particular thank you to Northamptonshire County Cricket Club, the Dolphins and a special mention to the Cape Cobras for their belief in me and for the unwavering support over the years. I am thankful to the Lord for blessing me with the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing sporting family. I am excited about what the future holds for me and my family and I will always be a proud supporter of South African cricket.”
Cobras coach Paul Adams hailed Louw on his efforts.
“Well done to Johann on an illustrious career. His hard work and dedication has been admired by his peers. He is an inspiration to up and coming cricketers. All the best for the future,” said Adams.
South African Cricketers' Association (SACA) CEO, Tony Irish, said: “Johann has been a great contributor to first class cricket in South Africa for many years. He has been an active member of our players association and has performed outstandingly on the field and professionally off it. We thank him for his years of hard work and wish him all the best in his retirement.”