Umpiring made cricketer, Mather, stay in the game

After 23 years as a player, a back injury led the Tongaat-born cricketer to a new role in the game, writes Azra Hoosen.

For 23 years, Dawood Mather lived and breathed cricket. Having first picked up a bat at the age of 11, he spent much of his life on the field. But when a back injury brought his playing career to an unexpected end, he faced the difficult prospect of leaving behind a game that had become such a big part of his life. 

Rather than walk away, Mather found another way to stay in cricket – turning to umpiring and coaching that opened a new chapter in his sporting journey. “Staying away from the game was too much for me, so I decided to get into umpiring,” he said.

His umpiring journey began in Pietermaritzburg under the mentorship of Muhammad Jooma, who was then head of umpires. Mather completed all three levels of umpiring examinations set by Cricket South Africa (CSA) before moving to the Dolphins.

The journey involved long hours and sacrifices, but his dedication paid off when he officiated his first professional match at Kingsmead Cricket Stadium in Durban. The women’s match between the Dolphins and the Warriors saw him take on the role of on-field umpire. “The nerves were definitely there, but Alhamdulillah, I had a good friend and colleague who helped me through that stage,” he said.

Mather told Al-Qalam that the opportunity was a moment of gratitude to Allah. 

He is now preparing for another milestone: officiating at the U19 Khaya Majola National Week in Cape Town from December 16 to 20. While this will be his fourth national week as an umpire, it will be his first at the prestigious under-19 event. He previously officiated at national weeks involving younger age groups. “This appointment is every up-and-coming umpire’s dream. All I can do is thank Allah,” he said. 

Mather is quick to acknowledge the people who have supported him throughout his journey, particularly his family, whose encouragement and prayers have remained important to him. “It is almost impossible to name them all, but definitely my family who have been behind me all the way, my parents’ duas for sure and friends and colleagues who stand by me and never forget to send messages and calls before any big occasion,” he said.

He also thanked Hartley Road Primary School for supporting his ambitions and allowing him to pursue opportunities in cricket alongside his work as a coach. “Coaching at Hartley Road Primary isn’t a job for me; it’s a blessing, Alhamdulillah. I get to do what I love and I get to do it with those I love (the kids),” he said.

He believes Muslims should remain physically active so that they are fit to worship Allah, while recognising the responsibility to uphold good character both on and off the field. Beyond cricket, he wants the young learners to understand the importance of perseverance, faith and trusting Allah’s plan. “Never give up on pursuing your dreams and remember that Allah is in full control of the outcome,” he said. 

Mather hopes to continue progressing in his umpiring career, taking each match as it comes and doing his best. Reaching the highest level remains an ambition, but he leaves the outcome in Allah’s hands. “Every umpire loves to reach the highest level; if it’s good for me, I ask Allah Ta’ala to grant it to me with ease, Insha’Allah,” he said. 

As he prepares to officiate at the U19 Khaya Majola National Week, Mather remains focused on the opportunities ahead and grateful for the journey that brought him here. “I request the duas of all who read this article, Insha’Allah,” he said.