Under the watchful guidance of qualified coaches from the Northern Cape, these young talents are exposed to top-notch training at the Gibson Molale Winter Academy.
THINGS are only going to improve on the local cricket front. This seems obvious because in an effort to revolutionise cricket development in the Northern Cape region, the chairman and committee of Cricket Services introduced the Gibson Molale Winter Academy in 2022.
This groundbreaking initiative had as its aim, attracting aspiring players, both boys and girls, between the ages of 10 and 19 to hone and refine their cricket skills.
Under the watchful guidance of qualified coaches from the NC, these young talents are exposed to top-notch training at the academy. Simultaneously, the programme provides an excellent platform for local coaches to identify budding cricket stars at an early stage.
The identified talent is then integrated into the cricket union’s tracking system, allowing for comprehensive monitoring of their progress and enabling accelerated skill development to prepare them for the next level.
Beyond its focus on cricket development, the academy also plays a crucial role in creating a safe and enjoyable environment for children from all walks of life to engage with the game.
Notably, the programme has opened doors for home-schooled children who were previously excluded from provincial and rural trials, which were primarily reserved for students in mainstream schools. Now, these talented youngsters have an equal opportunity to showcase their abilities and earn their place on representative teams.
Regarded as the first step towards rebuilding the Northern Cape Cricket pipeline, the academy has already made a significant impact.
Last year, the programme witnessed a remarkable increase in participation numbers, with more than double the previous year’s turnout in the Frances Baard region. This year, the academy extended its reach to the ZFM region, attracting over 100 enthusiastic young cricketers who eagerly registered for the programme.
Thanks to its resounding success, the academy operates on a self-sustainable model, generating funds that are reinvested into the development pipeline of the Northern Cape. This sustainability has been a source of pride for Rizwan Engelbrecht, chairman of the Cricket Services Committee, who holds the programme in high regard.
But things will not end here. Building on the triumph of the Gibson Molale Winter Academy, the Northern Cape Cricket Services has plans to launch their next initiative: the School of Excellence.
With such dedication and forward-thinking initiatives, the region’s cricket scene is destined for even greater achievements in the future.
