A journey through Brett van Tonder's match-worn cricket jersey collection

Cricket, a sport that transcends boundaries and brings people together, has a unique ability to create lasting memories. For Brett van Tonder, a cricket memorabilia collector hailing from Johannesburg, South Africa, these memories serve as the foundation of his remarkable collection. In an exclusive interview, Brett shares his journey into the world of cricket memorabilia, the treasures he holds dear, and offers insights for aspiring collectors.

Brett van Tonder showcases his impressive collection on Facebook under the name "Pitchside Memorabilia" and on Instagram as "Pitchside Cricket Memorabilia."

Brett's journey as a cricket memorabilia collector began with a simple yet profound desire: preserving cherished cricket memories from his childhood. Whether it was watching matches at the stadium or glued to the television screen, Brett decided that collecting the jerseys of his favourite players was the best way to immortalise those moments.

Brett's collection is primarily centred around match-worn shirts (jerseys), with a keen focus on items from the 90s and 2000s, belonging to players he considers cricketing legends.

Over the years, Brett has had the privilege of meeting former cricketers and fellow collectors who have contributed to the growth of his collection. This network has been instrumental in acquiring some truly exceptional memorabilia.

In the world of cricket memorabilia, value isn't always measured in monetary terms. For Brett, two shirts hold an exceptional place in his heart. The first is Shane Warne's ODI shirt from the 1997/98 Tri-Series in Australia, given to Gary Kirsten and later sold for charity. The second is Wasim Akram's ODI shirt from the 1995 Mandela Trophy Final, presented to Neil Fairbrother for his benefit auction.

Ensuring the authenticity of collectables is crucial. Brett relies on the source, with items obtained from ex-international cricketers and benefit auctions in the 1990s being more straightforward to authenticate. Additionally, he points out that genuine player shirts differ significantly from replicas, especially during the 90s when few replica shirts were produced.

Among the most unexpected finds in Brett's collection are match-worn shirts from Pakistan's legendary pace trio – Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Shoaib Akhtar – from their 2002 tour to South Africa. These precious shirts were acquired from a former South African international player, making the discovery even more remarkable.

Brett's entire journey as a cricket memorabilia collector has been filled with memorable experiences. While he couldn't single out one, he emphasizes the joy of meeting like-minded individuals and appreciating other collections as the most rewarding aspect of this hobby.

For those interested in starting their own cricket memorabilia collection, Brett offers valuable advice. He cautions against the proliferation of fake shirts, particularly from India. Research is key, and he encourages newcomers to enjoy the journey, as the primary objective of this hobby should always be the pleasure it brings.

Outside his passion for cricket memorabilia, Brett cherishes time spent with his family and has a strong affinity for football. As a devoted supporter of Internazionale (Inter Milan), he proudly exclaims, "FORZA INTER!!"

In the world of cricket memorabilia collecting, Brett van Tonder's dedication stands as a testament to the love and passion that fans hold for this beautiful sport. With his valuable insights, he provides a glimpse into a world where cherished memories find a lasting home, preserving the legends of cricket for generations to come.