KZN’s young stars ready for national challenge

KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union honoured the province’s crop of future cricketing stars and wished them well for their various age-group national weeks this December at the annual KZN Schools Capping Ceremony in the Presidential Suite at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead on Thursday evening.

With Hollywoodbets Dolphins captain Morné van Wyk and team mates Cody Chetty and Sibonelo Makhanya – both who graduated from the KZN Schools programme into Franchise cricket – in attendance, the young primary and high pupils enjoyed their share of the limelight as they received their KZN caps from their local cricketing heroes and messages of support from key delegates.

“We congratulate all of our youngsters on being selected to play for KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union’s provincial schools teams,” said KZNCU president, Fa-eez Jaffar. “It is indeed an honour and a privilege to represent our wonderful province.”

“These weeks give you the opportunity to forge friendships with players from different backgrounds and cultures and different parts of our beautiful country that will last a lifetime,” added KZNCU Amateur Manager, Jay Naidoo. “Good luck and best wishes!”

The action gets underway with the CSA U13 Boys Week in Cape Town from 9-13 December, CSA U15 Boys Week in Potchefstroom from 8-12 December and the CSA U19 Girls Week in Pretoria from 9-13 December.

The Rural U17 Boys Week then takes place in Nelspruit from 10-14 December and the CSA U17 Boys Week in Benoni from 11-15 December.

“This is the culmination of many hours of hard work and sacrifice that have contributed to this significant milestone,” said KZN Primary Schools Cricket Association Chairperson, Charles Morgan. “We wish all of our teams and travelling parents a safe journey to the various venues.”

“In representing our province, you have the responsibility to be outstanding ambassadors both on and off the field,” heeded KZN High Schools Cricket Association Chairperson, Siva Subrayen. “Let fair play and good sportsmanship be your mantra at all times!”

The programme then culminates in the much-anticipated Coca-Cola Khaya Majola U19 Week in Bloemfontein from 16-20 December where Glenwood High School’s Joel Veeran will hope to lead the KZN Schools side to victory.

“We back ourselves, and with the team we have this year we want to win all six of our games,” explained Veeran.

“We believe we are the best and we’re looking to go out there and prove it.

“As players we know each other well, the relationships are good and the team vibe is great, which I’m sure will also help the team be successful at Coke Week.”

Veeran, who made his debut at the tournament last year and went on to earn SA Colts selection, is excited by the opportunity to lead his side in Bloemfontein as well as the launching pad the tournament gives himself and his team mates to further their careers.

“Coming into such a prestigious event like Coke Week, experienced players are a big factor and hopefully I can bring a bit of a calming effect and a lot of tactical advise to the team.

“Learning to cope with the amount of pressure that Coke Week brings is a stepping stone for every young cricketer’s career, while being selected for SA Schools or SA Colts can also make a huge difference in players trying to make it to the top.”