January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Mukuddem to join Bermuda Masters team
The South African-born cricketer got a late call to play for the touring side during this month's Cape Town Cricket Festival after several team members withdrew their services due to work and personal commitments.
The former Western Stars and Bermuda all-rounder has kept himself in good health since returning home last year playing in the domestic league in Cape Town.
He said: "I am still playing competitive cricket at a very high level so fitness is not a problem.
"I am a few pounds above my World Cup weight but nothing to be concerned about. Nothing beats home cooking."
Mukuddem thrived with both bat and ball during his first season back in domestic cricket in his native South Africa and is looking forward to the new season,which commenced last week.
He said: "Last year I finished second in my club's first team batting and bowling averages.
"Cricket is huge and on any given Saturday more than 300 senior teams play in and around the greater Cape Town area."
Mukuddem said he was "pleasantly surprised" to get a call from former Bailey's Bay star wicketkeeper Ricky Hill inviting him to play for the Bermuda Masters during their stay in South Africa.
He added: "I am not sure who plays in the team, but it would be good to hear the Bermuda slang again. Maybe someone can bring me a jar or two of the Bermuda Gombey Storm Surge Jam. I miss that, along with the sushi at Harbourfront."
Bermuda Masters batsman, Allen Richardson, believes Mukuddem will be a great asset to the team that departed for South Africa yesterday.
Great asset
"I certainly welcome the idea of Saleem Mukuddem playing," he said.
During his time in Bermuda Mukuddem established himself as one of the leading cricketers, and will perhaps be best remembered for being one of only two colts to score centuries on their Cup Match debut as well as being the first Bermuda bowler to claim a wicket in the World Cup.
As for South Africa's failed ICC Champions Trophy failure, Mukuddem blamed their demise on what he termed as "poor preparation"
He said: "The reason for their failure in my view is due to poor preparation leading into the tournament. As most of the other teams were playing in ODI matches the South Africans were on a break.
"Not enough match practice showed when they conceded in excess of 300 runs against Sri Lanka and England.
"They played well below their potential."
During their two week stay in South Africa, Bermuda Masters will come up against local opposition as well as teams from neighbouring countries.
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