Border cricket veteran Martin Walters has made a stunning return to the fold after retiring from all forms of cricket last year, with him set to play his first match for the union since March 2017, this week against South Western Districts.
Former captain Walters retired after receiving a full-time study and part-time job offer in Cape Town. However, he returned to East London after finishing his studies and has been prevalent on the club cricket scene for Bohemians.
He was then coaxed back into the mix by Border coach Frank Plaatjes, who is excited to bring in an experienced campaigner to assist his youthful top order.
“If you look at our top six, four of them have a combined 25 first-class games between them,” said Plaatjes.
“At the start of this season we lost Koopy (Gionne Koopman) who was key, we lost Jerry (Nqolo) who was key, we lost (Kabelo) Sekhukhune that was finding his feet, so you lose a opening batsman, a top order batsman and a number three, you lose a lot of experience.
“So in come three 20-year-olds and a 19-year-old, and it will take some time for them to find their feet. That is why our batting has struggled so far this season.
“That is why I felt we needed a bit of experience to keep the youngsters together and Martin will be perfect for that.”
Also with Border having a very young captain in Jason Niemand, who at 20 years old is learning in every game, Walters’ experience could be invaluable to the young talent on the field.
“Not only his performance, but just his presence alone will give the youngsters calmer heads,” said Plaatjes.
“He (Walters) has always been a quality person and player and I am happy to have him back.
“It will also be of great value to Jason on the field. Jason is so talented, and having Martin assist him will be superb for his growth as a player and as a captain.”
Also returning to the Border side is top order batsman Mkhululi Calana, who has finished exams, and Sithembile Langa, who has recovered from injury, which will bolster an already strong bowling attack.
However, that will be offset by the loss of Warriors batsman Yaseen Vallie and experienced campaigner Somila Seyibokwe.
“With Stitch (Seyibokwe) he has not had the best of seasons so far and he also pulled up with an injury in our last game. So I decided that he needs a bit of a rest and I feel we will see him back in form in the second half of the season,” said Plaatjes.
“But happy to see Calana back. He also scored a big century this past weekend, so comes in with a bit of form which is good, while it is always good to have Langa fit and back and he will just add to our strong bowling unit.
“But overall I just want to show faith with most of the guys, especially the youngsters. The more they play, the more they will get used to this level and easier it will become for them.”
Border take on SWD in their three-day match from Thursday until Saturday, with the one-day set for Sunday.
Border squad: Mncedisi Malika, Mkhululi Calana, Sihle Magongoma, Martin Walters, Jason Niemand (capt), Bradley Williams, Bamanye Xenxe, Malwande Zamo, Phaphama Fojela, Clayton Bosch, Sithembile Langa, Basheer Walters, Bongolwethu Makeleni, Joshua Dodd...