PUNE (India) If Dr. Ali Bachers timely help didnt come to Makhaya Ntinis rescue in December 1998, the bowler would not have played the 100 Tests for his country. Ntini was accused of rape. He insisted that he was innocent and the United Cricket Board supported him. He was, however, found guilty. He faced a six year jail sentence and even though he had the Cricket Boards backing they couldnt pay his legal fees, eliminating any possibility for appeal. Dr. Ali Bacher arranged overseas funding for the appeal and the conviction was overturned. Recalling the incident, Dr. Ali Bacher, while speaking exclusively to this scribe from Johannesburg, said, It was the rape allegation he faced just before the 1999 World Cup. I confronted him on the allegation. The conversation went like this: Makhaya, do you respect me. Makhaya, would you ever lie to me, he said, No. Makhaya, did you rape the young lady, I asked. He said: No. I never stopped believing that he was innocent of the allegation and charge. What is so unique and extraordinary about his achievements is his background and where he comes from. In simple terms his early days are spent within an impoverished , poor rural community within the Border area of South Africa, Dr. Bacher said. To his good fortune at the age of 14 he was identified by 2 coaches, Raymond Booi and Greg Hayes, as a cricketer of immense potential. Added to his potential we have a young man with a big heart, discipline, commitment and a huge passion and love for playing for his country. He remains the only black African to have commanded a regular place in the national cricket and rugby teams over the past two decades. Sports Marketing within S.A. has consistently shown that he has had excellent support amongst all the different peoples of our country,: Dr. Bacher added.