Tribute to Mornay “Kulu” Maclons
Cape Town, 12th January 2023
The Western Province Cricket Association is saddened by the news of the passing of Mornay “Kulu” Maclons. WPCA President and CEO, Michael Canterbury, the Board and members of the Association send their heartfelt condolences to his wife Isabel and the Maclons family.
Mornay “Kulu” Maclons (second from the left on the banner picture) was born into a cricketing family in Somerset West, with his cousins playing for WP, of which one played for the South African Coloured team. Mr Mac was a teacher by profession and taught at John Ramsey Secondary School.
“Kulu”, as he was fondly known, was a right-hand batsman and wicketkeeper. He represented Elsies River and Tigers (now Tygerberg CC) Cricket Clubs and also the Somerset West and the Maitland-Parow Cricket Associations.
His debut for WP was against EP in Port Elizabeth from the 8th to the 10th of January 1972. He played 17 matches, scoring a total of 416 runs, with a highest score of 75 not out against Natal in Durban in March 1974.
In total, as a wicketkeeper, he took 39 catches and executed 15 stumpings. (ref: More Than a Game, Mogamad Allie). He was an excellent wicketkeeper/batsman, who would certainly have graced the international stage if it wasn’t for the Apartheid system. He was one of the few wicketkeepers who was able to stand up to the wicket for fast bowlers and initiate stumpings.
He made his debut for Maitland-Parow during the 1974/5 season. Mr Mac first joined Tigers CC as a guest player in the Big Eight competition. He then formally joined Tigers cricket club during the 1982/83 season. He became one of the stalwarts of the club, where Life Membership was bestowed on him. After his playing days he contributed as a coach and mentor, working with the wicketkeepers and batsmen. When he stopped coaching, he became one of the most dedicated spectators of the club, seldom missing a game. His presence will be sorely missed.
In 2014, Mr Mac was presented with an award as one of the Sporting Legends of the Western Cape. He was among 37 former sporting greats to be recognised by the Provincial Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport.
Mornay Maclons is survived by his wife Isabel, son Paul, daughter Jenny, 2 granddaughters and 1 grandson. He was 82 years of age.