A resolute adversary in his heydays as an outstanding all-rounder on cricket fields everywhere, and an even more resolute individual to conduct an interview with!

Abdul Latief, the eldest of legendary, and dynamic, opening batsman/all-rounder Jamaloodien “Marley” Barnes’ and his wife Rakiba’s (both deceased) three children, is adamant that he “never was one for statistics”.

A consistent performer with ball and bat, (“Tiffie to all cricket-lovers), was born in Malay Camp, Kimberley on 29 April 1941. Currently (for the past four, five years) he travels nationally, serving as a ‘match referee’ at different levels of the game.

The family moved to Vrededorp (Fietas) in 1952. Tiffie was named after his paternal grandfather, who also played cricket at provincial level, as did his two uncles. It was hardly surprising that he started playing the game before he turned 15, while at Coronationville High School.

At that stage, he also made his debut for Ottomans, the Fietas-based side that his father captained for a long time. He batted at no.10, but he had already developed into a top-class slow-medium bowler, specialising in off-cutters. Before he was 20, he had registered numerous 100-plus scores, while still at school, and at the Eurafrican Training Centre, where he later graduated as a teacher.

He was selected for the Transvaal Cricket Association’s (TCA) B-side, and then the seniors while still training as a teacher. Father “Marley” was also in that team. Legend Abdullah (Dooley) Rubidge was the captain in the makah against the “Coloured” played at Newlands Stadium. He modestly conceded that he achieved his first five-wicket haul, one of many during his ‘illustrious’ career.

Legends Chong Meyer, Alexandra Bell, Stanley Palm, among other top cricketers, were in the opposing side. That same season, he played against the Witwatersrand Indian Cricket Union, at Natalspruit, in downtown Johannesburg.

Tiffie graduated as a teacher in 1961, and started his career at Germiston Coloured School (both primary and secondary). Shortly, thereafter, he was selected for Transvaal playing in the Inter-Provincial Tournament, also at Natalspruit. This was soon after the Barnato Tournament was scrapped.

He married Fatima, sister of the fabulous Rasdien cricketing brothers, virtually the other half of Ottomans. They have seven children.
Despite consistent prompting, he eventually cited an innings of 130-plus against Natal as his highest score.

Doolie Rubidge and Abdul Bhamjee, especially were the best captains he had played under. One “Jimmy” Bulbulia was his favourite manager.
Speedster Hoosain Ayob, All-rounder Moosa Mangera and Ismail ‘Morris’ Garda were among the best cricketers he had played with. Spin-bowler Hira Jairam, quickie Coetie Neethling and opening batsman Sadick ‘Dickie’ Conrad were among his toughest opponents.
Mangera (Moosa) was his favourite fielder.

Barnes, during his fantastic cricket career, he also had a season-long spell for Colne, in the Lancashire League in England.
Tiffie, we lack your cricket statistics, but will, forever be indebted to you for the countless moments of joy you brought to us.

Thank you for your sincere friendship, and
…..we honour you, for your achievements and true sportsmanship.