LEINSTER cricket was shocked and saddened to hear at the weekend of the death of Walter Masemula, the Pembroke CC professional five summers ago. Masemula (26) died in his sleep in Guildford, Surrey, where he had arrived to play with the Brook club.

A brisk right arm bowler, Masemula had played for Gauteng since 1998, taking 33 wickets in 18 first class games at an average of 26.90. He had started to make a name for himself in South Africa and had been dubbed 'The Black Express'.

Walter attended the Australian Cricket Academy under Rodney Marsh and played with Pembroke in 1997. He found it hard to come to terms with the Irish conditions but did take 8-34 in one match. Pembroke held a minute's silence before their first league match of the season on Saturday and all wore black armbands as a mark of respect.

Pembroke captain Trevor Dagg told CricketIreland: "Walter played for us during the 1997 season as his cricketing career was starting to take off back in South Africa. First impressions were of a shy, softly spoken individual with the physique of a true sportsman. Though once out of his shell and thundering in off his long run up he became a pivotal part of the team on and off the pitch. His dedication and love for cricket was immense.

"He was a man of humble beginnings who had dream that I have no doubt he would have achieved if he hadn't been taken away so tragically. Brian O'Rourke met him at the 'Elka' stadium in Soweto recently and they laughed about the good times he had in Ireland and the friends he made. Walter will be sorely missed but his spirit and memories will never fade away - they are as strong as he was."

In 1999 Walter made his debut for Gauteng against Border, becoming the first black cricketer to represent the province and the first player from the townships to play at that level. In 2001 he helped bowl the Ventnor club to an unbeaten Hampshire League championship and played in South Africa with the Soweto club and Gauteng one-day side the Highveld Strikers.

He worked at the Gauteng Cricket Board in assisting with the preparation of wickets and coached in the townships in his spare time. He was often used as a motivational speaker for youngsters learning the game.

Gauteng Cricket Board chief executive Thabo Moseki flew to England to bring back his remains. A memorial service was held in the Long Room at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.

Career Statistics

First Class (1998/99 - 2001/02)
           M    I  NO  Runs   HS     Ave
Batting   18   26  13    84   22    6.46

           O      M   R   Wkts     Ave    BB
Bowling  294.5   64  888   33     26.90  4-35

Limited Overs (1998/99 - 2000/01)
           M    I  NO  Runs   HS     Ave
Batting    8    3   1    15   14    7.50

           O    R    Wkts   Ave    BB   SR  Econ
Bowling   43   209    3    69.66  1-21  86.0  4.86