The new Benoni Northerns Cricket Club (BNCC) senior side’s technical team has laid down a bold marker for the future, unveiling a new technical blueprint anchored on youth development and long-term success.

Under the leadership of Mark Robey and Andrew Smith, Northerns boasts a premier league side built around young, hungry talent. Robey and Smith believe this investment will pay dividends in the years to come.

“We’ve got a young Premier League side, which has done exceptionally well. When you look at the team, the oldest guy is 28, and the rest are down to 17. We have four Khaya Majola Week players – one of them plays for the SA Colts. We’ve got a couple of Cubs and a few who are going to be invited to the academy,” said assistant coach Smith.

By building from the bottom up, the club is positioning itself to create a sustainable pipeline that will fuel a competitive and resilient Premier League team for seasons ahead.

“We are building a massive product that’s going to show us value in the next few years and make the BNCC a club others would be wary of.

“The goal is to have these youngsters build from the bottom up, and have an amazing Premier League, reserves and directors teams, as well as phenomenal colts and academy sides,” added Smith.

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Reflecting on how the senior side, led by captain Matthew Wittstock, fared in the first half of the Eastern Premier League season, Smith said the team performed well and hopes they will carry the momentum into the second half.

“They’ve done quite a good job. You’ve got a very experienced coach and captain who has taken the captaincy permanently after sharing it with Mekyle Pillay last season. Matthew has done a phenomenal job as the team leader. The young guys look up to him.

“All in all, the team has done well. We are going into the second half with a positive attitude, heads on our shoulders, and will push for that number one spot.”

Fundraiser

The club held a six-a-side fundraising tournament at Benoni Northerns Sports Club on January 10.

Former and current players showed up in numbers, dressed in colourful costumes, to help the club raise funds to support the maintenance of its facilities.

“We want to buy some equipment to help with maintenance. I really believe our club is the place to be in Ekurhuleni. This fundraiser will help us add value and make our facilities a bit better than what they are.” Smith said.

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