Club seeks visually impaired cricketers
Those interested in joining, supporting or sponsoring the team, can call Da Silva on 072 151 5775 or Grobler on 079 520 3642.
The region’s first-ever cricket team for blind players, the Eastern Gauteng Blind Cricket Team, invites visually impaired individuals from Ekurhuleni to join it.
Based at the Elsburg Eagles Cricket Club in Germiston, the club aims to bridge the gap between sighted and visually impaired communities.
It was established through a collaborative effort with the Elsburg Eagles, with the support of the Eastern Cricket Union. The Sibonile School for the Visually Impaired in Kliprivier was the first to join the initiative, which gave it a boost and helped reinforce its impact.
According to player-coach Michael da Silva, their goal is to build communities, create a culture of inclusivity and showcase the talents of those with visual impairments.
“We are making history. Our goal is to foster inclusivity, build confidence and show the capabilities of visually impaired athletes,” he said.
Da Silva is an experienced cricketer who recently represented the Johannesburg Society in the Diadora Jozi Cup Blind Cricket and has also served as the head coach of the visually impaired national team.
“The Sibonelo School gave us a major boost. They’ve helped us make this project possible. Hopefully, we will become a great and successful team on and off the field.”
The chairperson of Elsburg Eagles, Martiens Grobler, said blind cricket provides an athletic outlet, promotes social integration and raises awareness.
“This isn’t just about cricket. It’s about creating a space where everyone feels valued and able to showcase their abilities,” said Grobler.
Da Silva also invited communities, supporters and businesses to get involved, adding that their practices and matches would be at the Elsburg Eagles Oval because of its accessibility.
Those interested in joining, supporting or sponsoring the team, can call Da Silva on 072 151 5775 or Grobler on 079 520 3642.
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