Stop children dying of AIDS, says South African cricketer Makhaya Ntini

© UNICEF video

South African cricketer Makhaya Ntini supports Unite for Children. Unite against AIDS.

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 has teamed up with Unite for Children. Unite against AIDS. Here is one in a series of 10 profiles of well known cricketers who are supporting the campaign.

MAKHAYA NTINI is a South African fast bowler who spent his childhood in the Eastern Cape as a cattleherd. Now, as one of the game's leading performers with the ball, it could be said that he's seen both sides of life in his home country.

Because of the huge challenges facing South Africa due to the threat of HIV and AIDS, Makhaya Ntini was eager to join the International Cricket Council, UNAIDS and UNICEF in promoting the Unite for Children. Unite against Aids campaign.

"HIV is affecting children so much in South Africa,” he said in a recent interview. “There are children living in the street because they don't have any parents and they don't have any place to go. This is one of the things that we are struggling with and it's because of HIV.

"We know that every minute of every day children are dying of AIDS. We can't let this happen to our children,” he added.

Makhaya Ntini's talent was recognised at a young age and when he was offered a chance to study at Dale College, one of South Africa's great cricket academies, he knew that if he made a success of it it would change his life forever.

'Never-say-die' attitude

He became the first black South African cricketer to play for his country and he now holds several records in the game including the best ever match figures for a South African bowler of 13 for 132 against the West Indies in Trinidad.

He also became the first South African to take 10 wickets at the home of cricket, Lord's.

Whilst not perhaps possessing the pace of a Brett Lee or a Shoaib Akhtar, Makhaya Ntini instead modelled himself on the great West Indian bowler Malcolm Marshall. Like his hero he has a nagging, relentless line and a 'never-say-die' attitude. This has served him well as a sportsman and will also now serve him equally well as a spokesman for the Unite for Children. Unite against AIDS campaign.

Written and produced by Mont Tombleson