Cricket development in rural South Africa takes form
JOBURG – Cricket development in disadvantaged areas takes form.
In line with promoting cricket in areas previously unfamiliar with the sport, the Gauteng Cricket Board (GCB) is extending the love of cricket to townships.
The GCB aim to do this by ensuring that previously disadvantaged children have access to quality coaching, facilities and the necessary support needed to become professional cricketers.
“Every year we accept new clubs in the various leagues depending of course on the standard and number of teams that the club has, and try to reach more areas where cricketing [is not a norm],” said Colin Gxowa, GCB amateur cricket manager. “Examples of the areas we try to reach include Orange Farm, Diepsloot, Noordgesig etc.”
The GCB Club League (formerly known as the GCB Amateur League) is divided into Saturday and Sunday leagues. The Sunday competitions are made up of 12 leagues, while the Saturday competitions are made up of seven.
Johannesburg North, Alexandra, Braamfontein and surrounds comprises some of the currently active target areas from which teams participate. Tertiary institutions with affiliation to the various GCB leagues include Wits, UJ and VUT.
“As a sporting body we encourage people to play sport and obviously cricket for a few reasons – health, getting kids off the streets, talent searching etc. The pipeline begins with mini cricket, then schools cricket, club cricket, academy, semi-pro, Lions and Proteas.”
