‘A true father figure’: CSA mourns former Proteas manager Goolam Rajah

Cricket SA mourned the death of Goolam Rajah on Tuesday, one of the legendary figures of the post-unity period of SA cricket. He had been in failing health for some time and was 74 years old when he died. 

Goolie, as he was known by everybody, served first as team manager and then logistics manager of the national men’s cricket team for almost two decades.

At the time of unity, he served on the inaugural Gauteng Cricket Board, was also a senior provincial selector and was co-opted on to the Transvaal Cricket Board executive at the time of the unity negotiations. 

To the Proteas he was much more than part of the management team. He was a friend, confidant and adviser. In total, 107 players represented the Proteas during his time in more than 600 matches across the three formats. They will all remember him with great fondness and gratitude.

He considered his greatest achievement to be invited by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to manage the World XI against Australia, the number one team in the world at the time, in a one-off Test match. 

“It is a sad day for the South African cricket family,” said CSA acting CEO Pholetsi Moseki. “Goolam was a special human being, who has touched so many lives in a positive way. 

Goolam was a true father figure who looked after the players like his own. He took care of everything with such detail that the players were able to focus totally on the cricket and that was why his tenure was so successful.

—  Former Proteas captain Graeme Smith

“We all have our special memories of him which we will treasure. He was a man who gave a great deal to the game of cricket and everybody involved in it. I extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Shaheda, popularly known to us all as Poppy, his children, Mohammed Faeez and Zuraida, his extended family, his friends and colleagues both in the game of cricket and in the wider society,” he said. 

Lawson Naidoo paid tribute on behalf of the CSA Board. “One can never have a successful team without a good administration behind them. Goolam played a major role in making sure that they were not sidetracked by off-the-field issues.

“During his tenure, the Proteas enjoyed significant success, winning the ICC knockout trophy (the precursor to the Champions Trophy) and the Commonwealth Games Gold Medal in 1998, achieving their best World Cup result with a tied semifinal against Australia in 1999, winning a Test series in England in 2008 and a first ever Test series win in Australia later the same year.

“These achievements speak for themselves. He was a humble man and true servant of the game.” 

Graeme Smith paid tribute on behalf of the players. “Goolam was a true father figure who looked after the players like his own. He took care of everything with such detail that the players were able to focus totally on cricket and that was why his tenure was so successful.

“The players were particularly appreciative of the way he looked after their wives and partners on away tours. We will indeed be fortunate to see his like again.” 

CSA president Rihan Richards spoke on behalf of the Members’ Council. “His service to the game was legendary and exemplary. He was a role model for all to follow, though almost impossible to emulate. We thank him and pay tribute to his family, who had to manage without having him at home for long periods of time.” 

The Proteas players wore black armbands for their T20 International match against the West Indies on Tuesday evening as a gesture of respect and there was a minute’s silence before the start of play.

— Cricket SA