Photo Credit: Cricket South Africa
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has on Friday congratulated Umpire Shaun George forofficiating in his 100 th First-Class match in the 4-Day Domestic Series encounter between Momentum Multiply Titans and Lions at SuperSport Park.
Certainly not a novice in the field of play, George played with and against legends such as Khaya Majola and many others in the pre-Unity days. After 2/3 seasons with Eastern Province cricket, and insatiably hungry for growth, he moved to Johannesburg, where he played provincial cricket for Transvaal for a season. He later nestled at United CC for the rest of his cricket-playing career.
Casting back to the allure to Umpiring, the word-frugal George said: “Umpiring was never something I put my mind to do after playing the sport I loved. It all started when two of my friends, namely, Franky Plaaitjies and Anton Hartnick invited me to a cricket umpires’ meeting, the rest is history. I joined that same night.
The choice I made that evening was the best choice and I have no regrets. George later participated in the Cricket Exchange Program to Canberra, Australia.
His illustrious umpiring career, spanning almost two decades, include standing-in in the finals of the African Games, Varsity Week, Country Districts Week, and Club Champs.
On the domestic front, George boosts a staggering 99 Cricket SA First Class matches, over 100 List A matches and more than 100 T20 matches to date.
An ICC International Panellist, George, who was once an area manager for sport apparel outlet in the Eastern Cape, has earned the awe and veneration of the international Umpiring community. A globe-trotter of note, he officiated in 56 ODI Internationals, 42 T20 Internationals and 3 ICC Women’s World Cup Finals.
Extoling George’s achievement, CSA’s National Match Officials’ Manager, Obakeng Sepeng said: “Shaun is one of the most capped, distinguished and qualified Umpires in the CSA arsenals. His domestic and international exposure makes him a highly ranked and valued official in the field. An amazing individual and legacy-centred, this legend is also an inspiration to budding umpires, whom he finds time to groom. This 100 th milestone gives us an opportunity to thank him for his tireless commitment to cricket and to wish him more innings.”
CSA Acting Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki added in the salute: “George’s contribution to Umpiring within the system is something that CSA is profoundly grateful for and proud of. His numerous achievements are important markers of excellence and devotion. Accordingly, CSA congratulates him on this all-important feat and wishes him more power to his elbows.”
“I want to thank my family – my children – Tiffany and Nathan and Sharlita for being pillars of strength in my career. I also acknowledge my First Umpire Coach, Mike Gajjar, for being my abiding anchor. There were many others along the way, too many to mention, but each of them have carved for themselves a special place in my heart,” concluded George tearily.
Name of Author: Cricket South Africa
Cricket South Africa (CSA) governs cricket in South Africa. Formed in 2002, it succeeded the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCB) and became the sole governing body in 2008. CSA oversees all levels of cricket, including national teams for men and women, and is a full ICC member and SASCOC affiliate.
