Gerrie Janse van Rensburg, fondly known as ‘Oom Kat’ may not be wielding a cricket bat, bowling or fielding, but his dedication to Northern Cape Cricket and the art of maintaining the hallowed grounds of the Diamond Oval are unmatched.
Cricket matches can go from being exciting on through being tense and can even be downright thrilling and the young heroes battle it out on the field with bat and ball and, very often, incredible feats of athleticism in the outfield.
However, behind all the ‘skop, skiet and skills’ of cricket matches at the Kimberley Diamond Oval stands an unsung, and often unseen, hero.
Gerrie Janse van Rensburg, fondly known as ‘Oom Kat’ may not be wielding a cricket bat, bowling or fielding, but his dedication to Northern Cape Cricket and the art of maintaining the hallowed grounds of the Diamond Oval are unmatched.
Oom Kat’s journey into the world of cricket is a tale of transition.
Between 1982 and 1994, Van Rensburg was a prominent figure on the Griquas cricket team. But when he hung up his cricket boots at the end of his playing career, a new chapter beckoned.
Uncle Ben Neetling, the stadium manager at the time, recognised Oom Kat’s potential and asked Oom Kat to take on the role of roaming groundsman for the fields and schools. Little did Oom Kat know that this would mark the beginning of an extraordinary and exciting journey.
Years of dedication and learning under the experienced and talented Uncle Ben culminated in Oom Kat’s appointment as the head groundsman of the Diamond Oval – a position he has held with pride for a decade now.
Speaking to the DFA, Oom Kat elaborated on his journey, recounting a pivotal experience when he and Uncle Ben embarked on a week-long educational venture at Pietermaritzburg University.
During this immersive training programme, the lectures delved into the intricate world of turf management, covering topics such as grass cultivation, fertiliser programmes, grass compaction techniques, and the fine art of grass cutting.
However, Oom Kat humbly notes that while this educational opportunity provided a valuable background, the majority of his expertise was forged through the enduring mentorship of Uncle Ben and his own relentless pursuit of knowledge, marked by a process of trial and error.
Oom Kat’s face lights up when asked about his preparations for a game.
He told the DFA that two weeks before a match is played, he starts the meticulous process of thinning out the pitch, using specialised tools to trim the grass finely. Then, four days before the big day, he begins wetting the pitch, allowing the water to penetrate down to the clay area where the roots reside.
Hereafter begins the intricate rolling process, a crucial step in achieving the perfect cricket pitch.
Oom Kat explains his method, saying, “I sit on the roller machine, rolling the pitch for half-an-hour, then I let the pitch rest for an hour. I repeat this for eight to 10 hours a day, for four consecutive days before each game.”
That’s dedication and commitment right there.
As a result, under Oom Kat’s watchful eyes and experienced hands, the pitch is transformed into a cricketer’s paradise, which is a challenge due to the high demands of national and international games that take place at the Diamond Oval.
However, Oom Kat’s dedication extends beyond the pitch. He told the DFA that one of the biggest challenges he faces is water scarcity.
“When there are water cuts in the area, I can’t water the pitch before a game,” Oom Kat laments. “To combat this issue, the Union has constructed an additional dam, ensuring a constant water supply in times of need.”
With evident pride, the groundsman recounted a momentous year in the history of the Oval.
In 2003, the stadium had the honour of hosting its inaugural Senior Men’s World Cup, a monumental event that saw the Oval become the backdrop for nine exhilarating matches. Furthermore, the stadium continued to play a pivotal role in the world of cricket, serving as the host venue for prestigious IPL games and the Under-19 World Cup held in 2019, solidifying its reputation as a hub for cricketing excellence.
As you observe Oom Kat on his trusted roller, you can’t help but admire his love and commitment to the Diamond Oval, the outfield, and the pitch. Groundsmen like him often toil behind the scenes, receiving the least recognition. Yet they are the heartbeat of every game.
Without much doubt, the local cricketing community can say without any hesitation that Oom Kat is the guardian who ensures the stage is set for cricketing greatness, and for that, the cricket lovers of the Northern Cape can be eternally grateful.
Speaking to members, staff and leaders of Northern Cape cricket the DFA realised that all of them would want to extend a collective salute and vote of thanks to Oom Kat. His unwavering dedication to his craft is unmatched and a testament to his love for the game.
Oom Kat’s hard work is the foundation upon which cricketing dreams are built, making every game at Kimberley Diamond Oval a worthwhile spectacle.
