UCB Medical Committee reacts to Ngam's injuries after investigation into allegations of negligence

"Mfuneko Ngam's injuries was correctly diagnosed and expeditiously treated by the Eastern Province physiotherapist, Sophie Chandler, under the direction of Dr. Andre Killian."

This is the finding of the Medical Committee of the United Cricket Board after the incorrect perception that was conveyed to the public regarding the professional abilities of the coaching, training and medical staff supporting Eastern Province cricket.

In a letter from Professor Tim Noakes, Chairman of the Medical Committee of the United Cricket Board, to the Eastern Province Cricket Board, the UCB expressed their unhappiness about the negative perception that was created about the professional abilities of the coaching, training and medical staff supporting Eastern Province cricket.

"After the unfortunate injuries that EP star bowler and Protea player suffered between December last year and January 2001, many people called for an investigation to the circumstances surrounding Mfuneko Ngam's injuries," said Noakes.

"After we reviewed all the evidence, the Committee agreed without reservation, that no individual representing the medical team that is assisting EP Cricket could be held accountable causing the injury or for any delay in initiating the diagnosis or the correct treatment."

Noakes said that they were not of the opinion that inappropriate coaching and training by the EP Cricket staff, contributed in any way to the development of his injury. "The injury resulted solely from overuse which is an ongoing risk for players at international level.

"In contrast, the injury was correctly diagnosed and expeditiously treated by the EP physiotherapist, Sophie Chandler, under the direction of Dr. Andre Killian."

Dave Emslie, CEO of Eastern Province Cricket, said that for the past five or six years, they have worked hard at putting together a professional medical support team.

"Now we have one under the supervision of Dr. Richard Stretch, which meets regularly to ensure we provide the best medical attention for our players.

"Without wanting to sound smug, the report indicates that our systems are professional and rate amongst the best in our country," Emslie said. "I applaud the efforts of our medical team."

© Eastern Province Cricket Board