Hussein to lead Easterns’ Umpires’ Association

Mackenzie Park resident Hassen Hussein expressed gratitude after being elected as the new president of the Eastern Cricket Union (ECU) Umpires’ Association during the regional umpiring body’s AGM at Willowmoore Park on May 11.

Hussein, who has stood over almost 500 matches, received an overwhelming 73% of the vote for election into the association’s most important seat.

Long-time umpire and one of the ECU’s trusted umpiring brains, Alpheus Kgawe, who received a round of applause after also getting 73% of the vote, will deputise Hussein.

The election, chaired by Easterns board director Suleiman Ebrahim, was attended by Cricket SA’s (CSA) umpire panel member, Bongani Jele.

Speaking to the Benoni City Times after his victory, Hussein said he was honoured, adding that he will lead the association with distinction.

“It’s an honour. But there’s a lot of work that should be done. We will lead by example and be the backbone of the association. We will give our best to everybody in the ECU, whether for the cricket or the umpires,” he said.

While leading the association means a lot to the umpire, transparency and empowerment will be his key drivers as he wants to see most of the association’s members umpiring at CSA events.

“The most important thing is transparency. Every member of the association should be represented, irrespective of the colour of their skin. We have to see how we can improve our umpires – take them from level one to level three – and how to grant them the best umpiring opportunities.”

One of Hussein’s first tasks is to unite a divided association whose divisions and factions played out during the AGM when some members questioned how some in the committee were elected.

Hussein, however, has his work cut out for him and will work tirelessly for unity.

“Most of the issues that arose today have been resolved. There are two more financial issues we have to address with the board. So far, we have addressed 90% of the problems. Hopefully, we will have addressed them all in the next two weeks,” Hussein said.

While the ECU’s empowerment of female umpires is questionable, Hussein will dedicate time during his tenure to unearthing young ladies interested in the laws of the game.

The union had four promising female umpires two years ago, but now is left with two, with Kempton Park resident Claudette Wehmeier, the shining light, after obtaining her level three certificate and being added to the CSA umpire pipeline.

“We have two ladies, and one has stood for CSA games. We are trying to start from scratch. We invite any ladies interested in the laws of the game to join us. We will help them with everything they need to succeed.”

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