SOUTHERN CAPE NEWS - A former SWD first-class cricket player, who now has channelled his time and energy into umpiring, recently reached the achievement of being appointed to umpire the final match at the Coca-Cola Khaya Majola week that was held in Johannesburg during December.
The 34-year-old André Olivier, who represented SWD in 11 first class and 10 List A matches, made his provincial debut in October 2006 and played at this level until October 2009.
He retired from playing at the beginning of 2014 after a very successful career at club level and decided to switch to umpiring. In the past four years, he progressed and recently completed the Level III umpiring certificate.
His aspirations to become a first-class panel umpire got a significant boost in December last year when he was awarded the final of the Coca-Cola Khaya Majola week, subsequently also officiating the match between the SA Schools and SA Colts teams. Both matches were played at the Bidvest Wanderers Stadium.
"Umpiring is indeed a very challenging trade, but it helps a lot if you played the game at first-class level," he said.
His young age for an umpire and speedy progression definitely make him a future prospect for higher honours.
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