Ahead of the Final Showdown of the inaugural Schools SA20 National Finals starting in Pretoria today, South Africa’s top cricketers have reflected on the impact of schools’ cricket on their professional careers.
Schools cricket remains the bedrock of the Cricket South Africa pipeline and has unearthed star Proteas players over the years.
The coming week will be the turn of the next generation of incredible talent, as the top boys’ and girls’ schools compete on the biggest schools’ cricket stage from 12-15 March at Tuks.
"Playing cricket at school was where it all started for me," Proteas fast bowler Lungi Ngidi said. "It was an incredible experience that taught me the value of hard work, teamwork and perseverance. I'm excited to see the next generation of cricketers in action at the Schools SA20."
Proteas Women’s captain, Laura Wolvaardt said: “I loved taking part in schools' cricket. I spent a lot of time playing with the boys but it really helped my development. We would spend every break time playing, either with a mini bat and tennis ball. Those are definitely some of my fondest memories.”
Proteas Women wicket-keeper batter Sinalo Jafta reflected on her own experiences playing in provincial weeks. "Growing up, we didn’t have schools’ cricket but I was fortunate to participate in provincial weeks, which took place every December. These tournaments provided a platform for young players like myself to showcase our talents alongside future stars like Annecke Bosch, Ayabonga Khaka and Zintle Mali, who now represents the Springbok women's sevens and 15s teams. We were encouraged to play without pressure and simply enjoy the experience. Those provincial weeks were instrumental in shaping my early cricket career and provided valuable lessons that have stayed with me to this day."
Proteas all-rounder, Wiaan Mulder, credited schools cricket with teaching him valuable life lessons. "Participating in schools T20 weeks was an invaluable experience that taught me how to manage pressure and anxiety in a team environment. It also showed me the importance of treating people with respect and creating a positive team culture."
The teams will be playing for special handmade symbolic trophies created by Gqeberha-based sculptor Sarah Walmsley. The creative process was hybrid - a fusion of old and new. The colours chosen reflect the SA20 but also have a symbolic reason. The blue represents the sky – with Schools SA20 the sky is the limit. The yellow presents the sun – which nurtures the young players with the hope of advancing their cricket careers. (https://youtu.be/9wa-Ie_CQYg)
In addition to the trophy, the winning teams will walk away with one bursary provided by SA20 and SACA, a facilities upgrade courtesy of Cricket South Africa and a hamper of vouchers from Sedgars Sport.
The first round of boys’ matches will start at 2pm on Wednesday, with Northwood School from Durban taking on St Andrews School from Bloemfontein. Johannesburg’s St David’s Marist Inanda play the CSA Hub XI and Graeme College from Grahamstown face local team Hoërskool Garsfontein.
All matches from the Final Showdown week will be live on the SuperSport Schools app, DStv Channel 216 and SABC Plus. The girls' final on Saturday will be shown on DStv Channel 209.
Boys Teams
POOL A: Northwood School (KwaZulu-Natal), St Andrew’s School Bloemfontein (Central), Hoërskool Garsfontein (Gauteng North), Graeme College (Focus School).
POOL B: Pearson High School (Eastern Cape), Bishops Diocesan College (Western Cape), St David's Marist Inanda (Gauteng South), CSA Hubs Invitational XI
Girls Teams
POOL A: Dr JL Dube High School (KwaZulu-Natal), Saints Christian School (Central), Nkowankowa Hub (Gauteng North).
POOL B: Nomandi Junior Secondary School (Eastern Cape), Victoria Hub (Western Cape), Steyn City School (Gauteng South)
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