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Donovan May Returns to Lead Eastern Province Cricket

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In a significant development for Eastern Province Cricket (EPC), former president Donovan May has accepted a call from the province’s cricket clubs to return to his leadership role.

After serving for three years as Vice President of Cricket South Africa (CSA), May’s return marks a pivotal moment for EPC as the province seeks to regain its standing in South African cricket.

Elected unopposed at the EPC Annual General Meeting held on Saturday, August 17, 2024, May’s appointment comes alongside the election of a rejuvenated board with a fresh vision for the future of cricket in the region.

EPC long time retired Cricket Service Manager Tono Mle has been elected Vice President, signaling a dynamic leadership team committed to reviving the fortunes of EPC.

In addition to the leadership changes, Dr Mark Williams, the former CEO of EPC, has been reappointed to his previous position.

Dr. Williams, known for his strategic leadership, brings a wealth of experience and continuity to the role.

Shafiek Abrahams, a former Proteas player with an intimate understanding of both the technical and operational aspects of cricket, joins the executive team as General Manager of Cricket Operations.

“We have been given a clear mandate to stabilize Eastern Province Cricket and to ensure that the sport thrives at all levels, starting from grassroots development,” May remarked.

“Our strategy will focus on building the game from the school level upwards, ensuring that we nurture young talent, while also placing a renewed emphasis on the professionalization and expansion of women’s cricket.”

The clubs’ decision to bring May back to the helm is viewed as a powerful endorsement of his leadership abilities.

May acknowledges this support as a “vote of confidence” in his vision for the future, after spending three years away from the regional spotlight during his time at CSA.

His tenure at CSA allowed him to gain deep insights into international cricket trends, which he now aims to bring back to the Eastern Cape to enhance the competitiveness and professionalism of the sport locally.

A key focus of May’s leadership is the rapid growth of women’s cricket, which is now professional.

EPC is committed to nurturing local talent and maximizing available resources to support female cricketers. “We have a responsibility to ensure that our female cricketers are given the opportunities and support they need to reach their full potential in the sport,” May said.

Looking ahead, May is driven by a vision to make the Eastern Cape a talent hub for future Protea players.

“We aspire for the next generation of Proteas, both men and women, to emerge from the Eastern Cape, with a particular focus on nurturing black African talent. This is not just a dream but a tangible goal we can achieve by elevating the standard of school and club cricket across the province.” he explained.

EPC aims to develop a strong, sustainable talent pipeline to enhance both its teams and the national cricket landscape.

May is committed to working with the new board, EPC affiliates, management, and various stakeholders to foster a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and growth in cricket, positioning Eastern Province Cricket for long-term success.

The New Eastern Province Cricket Board

The new EPC board reflects a blend of continuity, expertise, and fresh perspectives. Each board member brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table, all of which will be instrumental in driving EPC’s new strategic direction.

The elected members are as follows:

  • Mr. Donovan May (President) – Non-Independent Director
  • Mr. Tono Mle (Vice President) – Non-Independent Director
  • Mr. Anthony MacPherson – Non-Independent Director
  • Ms. Sinomia Lewis – Non-Independent Director
  • Mr. Mfuniselwa Makhi – Non-Independent Director
  • Mr. Duane Saulse – Non-Independent Director
  • Mr. Malibongwe Booi – Non-Independent Director
  • Mr. Trevor Harper – Independent Director
  • Mr. Siya Cokile – Independent Director
  • Ms. Nomhle Thys – Independent Director
  • Ms. Pumeza Bija – Independent Director
  • Mr. Quintin Knight – Independent Director.
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