Bad times: Gibbs and Williams served bans

"The whole saga had a huge effect on my benefit year. I don't want to put figures on it but I didn't get what I expected at all. Not even a quarter of what I expected," he said.

Williams, now 34, was a relative latecomer to the professional ranks, beginning his first class career in his mid-20s at one of the least glamorous provinces in South Africa.

Boland cannot afford to pay the high salaries of neighbours Western Province and a benefit is an important financial boost to their senior players towards the end of their careers.

"It was like a pension for me, a bonus for me to put in the bank for my life after cricket. It was all the more important for me and my family (Williams has two young children) considering that I came to the game late."

The benefit aside, Williams is also convinced that his ability to earn a living as a member of the national squad has been compromised.

We made peace because life must go on

Williams on Cronje

Cronje: Awaiting Justice Frank Kirk-Cohen's verdict

Rather, he suggests, Cronje should get stuck in at the grass roots.

"What he did is a serious offence. I think with all of his experience can still be very useful to South African cricket, but he must never play the game again.

"He should instead offer his services perhaps to coaching youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds."

Despite the effect on his life on and off the cricket field, Williams says he has forgiven his former captain, although only over the phone a year after the scandal first broke.

"There is still anger but not in my heart. I will never forget what he did to us.

"I don't know how to hate someone but I told him, I said 'Listen Hansie, I'll forgive you but I will never forget'."

It may be some time before the cricket world can say the same to the former South African captain.