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Jacques Kallis comes out of retirement to make his veterans cricket debut.
FEROZ SHAIK
In an exciting turn of events for Cape Town’s veterans cricket league, cricketing legend Jacques Kallis made his highly anticipated veterans debut for Claremont on Wednesday, October 30, in a match against reigning champions Primrose. While Kallis’ return to the crease was short-lived—run out for just one—Primrose emerged victorious in a commanding performance that highlights the growing strength and appeal of veterans’ cricket in the region.
The veterans league has seen a surge of former first-class and international players coming out of retirement to compete in the T20 format, further raising the standard and excitement of the competition.
Among the star-studded line-up was Faiek Davids, a former South African Cricket Board legend and Western Province stalwart. Davids, reflecting on the match, said, ‘It was great to battle it out in the middle again with old friends on both sides. We were particularly excited to face Claremont, knowing they had a superstar like Kallis in their ranks. Our openers, Saadiek and Faldie, set the tone with crucial half-centuries. The pitch was tricky—slow and challenging—but we felt confident defending 157 with our bowling attack. It was a solid team effort, and it’s always nice to feel those competitive juices flowing again. A bonus point win against quality opposition made it even sweeter.’
The veterans’ league’s growing stature was further emphasised by appearances from other former Proteas. Rory Kleinveldt turned out for Victoria in a clash against Durbanville, while two weeks’ prior, Farhaan Behardien made a triumphant debut for Ottoman Cricket Club, earning the Man of the Match award in their victory over Hanover Park Cricket Club.
‘I received the invitation to play last year when I turned 40,’ said Behardien. ‘At the time, I wasn’t ready to jump back in after dedicating half my life to the sport. I needed to step away to focus on life post-cricket and give my body a well-deserved break. But the lure of the game never fades. Like always, there were nerves and butterflies, but playing alongside guys I’ve known for years made it special. The camaraderie and banter were what I missed most. Hanover Park were fantastic hosts—big thanks to them for the post-match boeries!’
In the results from the second round of matches in round two:
Durbanville beat Victoria by six wickets
Northerns Goodwood beat Fish Hoek by two runs
Montrose beat Yorkshire by 19 runs
Bluebells beat United by four wickets
Primrose beat Claremont by 37 runs
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With 24 teams across two groups, the Western Province Veterans League is now the largest veterans cricket association in South Africa, proving that the love of the game continues to thrive even beyond the professional stage.
