“Two brothers face off—whom will Mother vote for?”

Cricket runs deep in the Mornekeel family. Their father, Albert Mornekeel, was a domestic pace bowler in South Africa, and he passed on his love for the game to his three sons, each carving a distinct path in cricketing history.

The eldest, Albie Mornekeel, was long considered a potential all-rounder of significant promise. While he may not have reached the lofty heights many envisioned, his achievements remain a dream for many young cricketers. The middle son, Malan, reportedly carried the fire of a fast bowler and even represented South Africa at the Under-19 level. And the youngest? Morne Mornekeel, now recognised as one of South Africa’s pace legends.

Many cricket fans know this already, but a brief reintroduction is warranted. Albert Mornekeel’s sons—Albie, Malan, and Morne—grew up in a cricket-loving household in which their mother, Mariana Mornekeel, was no stranger to sibling rivalry. It is said that the three brothers would argue endlessly while playing “tennis-ball cricket” on the small field beside their home. Back then, Mariana had to pick sides, however briefly.

Now, she faces another conundrum. Tomorrow in Ahmedabad, South Africa will face India in a Super 8 T20 World Cup match. Mariana will watch her youngest son, Morne, serving as India’s bowling coach, while her eldest, Albie, joins South Africa’s side as a specialist consultant.

For Mariana, the stakes are personal. In earlier years, she enjoyed watching her sons play alongside one another in the national team. Today, however, she is confronted with an impossible choice: to support India’s blue or South Africa’s green. As she explains, there is no need to choose—she stands firmly behind both. Yet, in cricket, one cannot cheer for both sides simultaneously.

Albie himself, speaking at a press conference, lightened the mood with gentle humour. Asked whether the brothers would share insights ahead of the match, he replied: “We don’t really talk. Our mother is probably more anxious than we are. She doesn’t know who to support—India or South Africa?”

Albie, 44, had a solid career in South Africa’s white-ball teams, appearing in 58 ODIs, 50 T20Is, and one Test. He was known for his big-hitting and occasional all-round capabilities. Morne, standing 1.96 metres tall, was a classical fast bowler in the “hit the deck” mould, playing 117 ODIs, 44 T20Is, and 86 Tests, claiming 309 Test wickets.

Though both brothers have been part of T20 World Cup coaching staffs in previous tournaments, they now find themselves on opposing sides. Morne became India’s bowling coach in 2024, while Albie continues to serve as South Africa’s specialist consultant, working on batting, fielding, and lower-order strategy.

The Mornekeel brothers’ story is unique. Unlike other international cricket siblings—such as the Chappells, Waughs, or Amarnaths—they now face each other not as teammates but as part of rival coaching contingents. For Mariana, the challenge remains: to whom does a mother give her cheer when blood and duty collide on the cricket field?

Mornekeel Family Cricket Overview

The story of the Mornekeels is one of cricketing passion, sibling rivalry, and the tender dilemmas of motherhood—magnified now on the world stage of the T20 World Cup.