TWO sporting codes in the country are mourning the death of revered sports administrator, Bulawayo born Michael Barnard Whiley who passed away on Boxing Day in Harare at the age of 84.  

Whiley, a former Plumtree High School headmaster was actively involved in cricket and rugby development. Even up to his passing away and despite his old age he was still involved in grooming match officials with the Zimbabwe Rugby Referees Society where he was an Honorary Life Member as well as Honorary Trustee. He was also an Honorary Life Member of the Mashonaland Rugby Referees Society.

He was Plumtree headmaster from 1984 up to 1993. He left the Matabeleland South school to join Zimbabwe Cricket in 1993 where he spent a number of years looking after the country’s future cricketers. In a statement, ZC said they were saddened by his death and described him as a junior cricket stalwart and doyen of education.  

“The former Plumtree High School headmaster’s role in Zimbabwe’s education sector is well-documented and will forever inspire generations.  That our Under-16 interprovincial cricket tournament is named in his honour says it all about how the game is hugely indebted to Whiley – a hardworking, selfless and affable educationist and cricket hero who for many decades fought for the sporting success and well-being of all Zimbabweans regardless of their race, tribe, religion or political affiliation,’’ said ZC.

After calling time from the teaching profession, ZC said Whiley did not stop producing future Zimbabwe cricket stars as he took charge of ZC’s schools cricket programme, a job he did exceptionally well. A very active age-group selector, he was also a member of the national junior cricket committee for years. 

“ZC is very grateful and honoured to have benefitted from his leadership, wisdom and dedication to the game of cricket. The ZC Board, Management, Players and Staff would like to pass our heartfelt condolences to Whiley’s family, friends and the cricket fraternity on the loss of the great man. May his soul rest in eternal peace,’’ concluded the statement from ZC.

One of the Zimbabwe Rugby Union vice presidents Noddy Kanyangarara said the sporting fraternity was poor without his knowledge and guidance.

“So sad to wake up to the news of the sudden passing of the former great Plumtree headmaster Mike Whiley. A great rugby coach and referee who despite his age continued to actively engage in all rugby matters. He was also very active in cricket through the national age groups. We are poorer without his expertise and his leadership,’’ Kanyangarara said.

According to the Old Prunitians, an association for Plumtree High School former students, Whiley’s first love was cricket but the pinnacle of his sporting career was possibly being a licensed Currie Cup rugby referee – Spike as he was affectionately known was frequently seen controlling first class games at venues throughout the then Rhodesia and was on the field of play in the glorious days of the country’s rugby in the early to mid 1970's.

Whiley suffered a heart attack in 2012 and has health had deteriorated over the years. He had no children and is survived by his brother who only arrives in the country on Wednesday. 

@Mdawini_29