Ntini goes to new heights for charity

HE may have retired from professional cricket, but former Proteas fast bowler Makhaya Ntini has just completed what he describes as the toughest game of his career.

Along with other ex-cricketers, professionals and enthusiasts, he played a full 20/20 game near the summit of Africa’s tallest mountain, Kilimanjaro.

Their chosen pitch in the crater of Mount Kilimanjaro at 5785m above sea level beat the previous record for the highest recorded game at 5100m, which took place at Mount Everest.

“It was the most exciting, fun and scary game I have ever played. When you hit the ball, it felt like the skin of your head was coming off. You would gather yourself for a few seconds and then start delivering. When they bowled wide, you would be squealing,” Ntini said.

He had never climbed the mountain before and did not train much before the expedition, he said. The group climbed for eight to 10 hours each day, completing over 6000km of hiking to raise awareness for charity.

“I just did my normal routine of running. It was an unbelievable sight once up there. We played the game above the clouds and when you looked down, it seemed that you could just dive into the clouds.”

The expedition set off on September 20 for a seven- day hike to reach the chosen pitch and the game was played on September 28.

The group of 36, including staff and camera crew, shared the load of carrying food, tents and cricket gear.

England spin bowler Ashley Giles was one of the ex-professional cricketers to take part along with other enthusiasts and sportsmen from Kenya, Canada, Australia and England.

Ntini was the only cricketer from the Eastern Cape and represented South Africa along with two other cricketers from Gauteng.

Proceeds will go to Cancer Awareness and Treatment, Save the Rhino and building a cricket stadium in Rwanda. - Cindy Preller