A New Ntini On The Pitch

Thando Ntini, former Proteas fast bowler Makhaya Ntini’s son, is a star in the making. The teen has big shoes to fill but he’s up for the challenge. 

- Aphiwe Boyce

FOLLOWING in the footsteps of a parent who’s a sports legend is no easy task – especially when he’s regarded as one of the finest fast bowlers South Africa has ever produced. 

Masimphuthando Ntini is only too aware of the expectation that’s been heaped on his shoulders and he feels the weight of the pressure every time he walks onto a cricket pitch. Being the son of Makhaya Ntini might be a lot to deal with but he’s learning to cope with all the comparisons.

“This is my name and I can’t change it,” Thando says matter-of-factly. “The most important thing is that it doesn’t affect my game.”

And so far he seems to be doing a good job of keeping cool, calm and collected. Thando was selected for the national under-19 cricket side to face the West Indies next month in a five-day one-day international series in Durban and Pieter maritzburg. The 16-year-old is one of the new caps in the squad.

Being part of an up-and-coming team of athletes means giving up the things other teenagers enjoy – and dating is one of them.

“It’s not because girls are bad or anything but I had to choose my priorities carefully,” he says.

His proud father, Makhaya, adds that his son – who at 1,9 m towers over his 1,75-m frame – doesn’t smoke or drink either.

“At home no one drinks nor smokes,” Makhaya says. “I want him to keep his head down and be able to pat himself on the back for what he has achieved at his age. Any father would be proud of him.”