Lenasia cricket legend Hoosain Ayob, 79, has indeed overcome many hurdles for over seven decades, both personal and professional, so titling his book ‘Crossing Boundaries’ is probably very apt.
In the foreword of the book, celebrated cricketer Sir Clive Lloyd writes: “Hoosain’s resilience and persistence in achieving excellence were exceptional.”
The 31 chapters that follow document that resilience through an entertaining and informative record of the trials, tribulations and triumph against all odds, from being part of a loving family growing up in Brits to being split up and sent to Mia’s Farm after the untimely death of his father, to excelling at sport and being recognised as one of the greatest players in the history of the country but never having been allowed to represent it because of apartheid.
Much of the book was conceived in his two rooms in Lenasia crammed with memorabilia, including hundreds of awards, thousands of books on cricket, and a huge collection of ties.
Ayob reminisces about the good old days of cricket in Fietas and other areas, recalling greats of the time, many of whom have since passed on, as they persevered despite the segregation that denied them showing their prowess to other races, especially the privileged white Springboks.
At a personal level, there are tales about decades of teaching and being Principal at schools across the old Transvaal province, including Brits, Roodepoort, Roshnee and Lenasia, where he finally retired. At all these schools, he inculcated among the students a passion for sport, especially cricket.
Scores of leaders in the community passed through Ayob’s hands, many maintaining contact today.
With the release of Nelson Mandela, cricket began transforming and Ayob was called on to assist in the process as he befriended the late Steve Tshwete, Minister of Sport.
After the United Cricket Board (today’s Cricket South Africa) was inaugurated, and South Africa was readmitted to the international fold, Ayob played a major role in the International Cricket Council development committee. He guided thousands of children across the African continent to develop a love for cricket. This led to him becoming a sought after motivational speaker and travelling the world.
‘Crossing Boundaries’ is indeed a valuable contribution to recording the history of cricket, especially in the Indian community and more broadly after the end of apartheid, at the anecdotal hands of Hoosain Ayob.
In his closing lines, Ayob mentions that he is working on a second book titled ‘My Last Innings’, to give patients and the public an insight into the emotional, physical and mental suffering he has had to endure as a dialysis patient.
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