President of the Eastern Province Cricket Board (EPCB), Mr. Flip Potgieter, will not be standing for office when his term ends at the end of July. Mr. Potgieter, who occupied office for four years, made this announcement at a EP Cricket Board meeting last night.

He said it would be sad to leave after 22 years at the executive levels of EP Cricket, but the time is ripe for a younger generation to take the lead. "I do not believe in presidents for life.

"This is a great province with a history of cricket that is unique. I feel honoured to have been able to serve the game for so long. It has really been a lifetime of commitment. "Some of the highlights were cricket unity in the early 1990's, the transformation process in recent years and the attainment of the World Cup semi-final for 2003."

Mr. Potgieter said the incoming executive will have many challenges, but the scene is set for very exciting developments on and of the field. "The World Cup is just around the corner. EP also have the most exciting young cricketers waiting in the wings. In Adrian Birrel (EP coach) we have a truly South African coach who understands cricket as well as the dynamics of our society. We will develop many more players like Mfuneko Ngam.

"In Dave Emslie we have arguably the most respected CEO in the country. I feel totally comfortable leaving the executive, knowing that Dave is there. He really understands the dynamics of our South African society and will guide cricket management in the right direction."

Mr. Gerald Majola, CEO of the United Cricket Board paid tribute to his former EP colleague. "Not only have Eastern Province become a leading province under Pottie's leadership in terms of performance and development, but he has also been influential at the national level in guiding the United Cricket Board of South Africa in new directions since 1998."

As a cricket administrator and later ANC municipal councillor, Mr. Potgieter made it his task to build bridges between previously antagonistic camps as South Africa moved towards democracy. His readiness to go all the way in the process was unusual for his generation of white administrators.

Mr. Potgieter expressed his regrets about the tensions between the EP Executive and the Provincial Monitoring Committee and said he hoped his departure would smooth the way for a speedy resolution of any problems. "Ultimately the game is bigger than any personalities. We do not need opportunists amongst us!

" I am confident that the forthcoming strategic planning process agreed to between the UCB and the various parties in EP will ensure that EP Cricket continue on its recent growth path."

Mr. Potgieter said he would retain a keen interest in the fortunes of EP, and he hoped to continue contributing in the future.

© Eastern Province Cricket Board