The academy, which aims to develop young cricket talent, has witnessed a significant increase in participation compared to last year.
NORTHERN Cape Cricket’s Gibson Molale Winter Academy has garnered impressive attendance numbers during its Frances Baard leg, leaving organisers thrilled with the response.
The academy, which aims to develop young cricket talent, has witnessed a significant increase in participation compared to last year.
Rizwan Engelbrecht, the director at Northern Cape Cricket and chairman of the Cricket Services Committee in the Northern Cape, expressed his delight at the overwhelming turnout.
“We are thrilled with the response we have received for the Gibson Molale Winter Academy in Frances Baard. The number of registered boys and girls attending the academy has surpassed our expectations,” he said.
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Last year the academy saw 100 children register and participate. However, this year, the numbers are significantly higher. On day three of the academy, which catered to Under-11 and Under-13 boys as well as Under-13 and Under-19 girls, there were already in excess of 94 attendees.
These figures do not include the Under-16 and Under-19 boys set to join on Friday and Saturday. It is estimated that the total number will exceed 130.
Shaheed Alexander, the Cricket Services Manager at NCC, emphasised the significance of such programmes in bridging the gap with larger cricket unions. He said, “It’s programmes like these that will close the gaps against the bigger unions.
“Witnessing the hunger these kids have to play cricket drives us at Northern Cape Cricket to deliver world-class programmes and nurture future Protea cricketers.”
Thapelo January, Northern Cape CEO, highlighted the increase in participation as a positive sign for cricket in the province saying, “The increase in numbers this year is a sign that cricket in our province is definitely becoming fashionable again. The module is designed to be self-sustainable and aligns with the vision of the new administration, which is to grow, invest, and retain our kids in the province.
“The ultimate goal is to see them play first-class cricket for both the province and the country,” January said.
NCC expressed gratitude to the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture, thanking the MEC, Desery Fienies, and the Head of Department, Mr. Phiri. According to the union, their support and collaboration have been instrumental in making the Gibson Molale Winter Academy a resounding success.
Engelbrecht highlighted the success stories that emerged from last year’s programme saying that several children from homeschooled backgrounds and those who may have faced challenges, successfully made it to their respective provincial teams.
He expects the number of success stories to increase significantly this year, as the two-week programme in both Zfm and Frances Baard regions has attracted over 250 children. Additionally, 25 teachers and coaches have been upskilled in both regions, further strengthening the cricket ecosystem.
As a result of the remarkable talent showcased at the Gibson Molale Academy, the Cricket Services Committee has requested that players identified at the Winter Academy be invited to the School of Excellence, scheduled to commence in August. This gesture reflects NCC’s commitment to nurturing and developing promising cricket talent within the province.
The Gibson Molale Winter Academy continues to inspire and provide a platform for young cricketers to hone their skills, fostering a bright future for cricket in the Northern Cape.
And with the support of the community, stakeholders, and dedicated individuals like Engelbrecht and Alexander, as well as all the coaching and management staff, NCC is definitely poised to produce future stars who can compete at the highest level.
