Cricket development graduates take on India
KZN Cricket Union Development graduates are excited by their India challenge.
THE Coca Cola South Africa U19 team has left for its tour to India, with young stars Andile Mokgakane, Lifa Ntanzi and Thamsanqa Khumalo excited to compete against the four-time U19 Cricket World Cup champions.
Ntanzi, Khumalo and Mokgakane worked their way up the KZNCU development pipeline and were first introduced to cricket as part of the Department of Sports and Recreation (DSR), Sunfoil KZNCU Township and Rural Development Programme (which was re-aligned to the KZNCU RPC/Hubs Development Programme last September).
Both Khumalo and Mokgakane have represented SA U19 before, but it’s a first for Ntanzi. Both Mokgakane and Khumalo expressed their gratitude to the Willowton Group which made it possible for them to attend high school at Northwood Boys’ High and Glenwood High respectively, as part of the company’s Sunfoil Education Trust initiative. Ntanzi expressed his gratitude to Glenwood High School for assisting him with a bursary, and said that he wanted to make his family proud.
Mduduzi Mbatha the KZN Coastals U19 and Dolphins Academy head coach said that Ntanzi, Khumalo and Mokgakane have served as good examples for the rest of the squad.
“They have had their fair share of hard times. Andile has been selected back in the SA U19 side after being dropped so he is even more hungry this time round. Lifa missed out on the tour to England last year so he is hungry to show his skills. Thamsanqa went on that tour and wants to do better this time round and mentally he is in the right frame of mind,” he explained.
Jay Mannikam the manager of club development and academies for DSR in KZN said it was exciting to see talent emerge from the Development Programme: “This success story is what excites the department and government as a whole.”
Heinrich Strydom the CEO of KZN Cricket said he could not wait to see what the future holds for Khumalo, Mogkakane and Ntanzi.
“We are incredibly proud of them and look forward to seeing them perform on an international stage. They have immense potential to make it all the way in their respective roles as opening batsman, all-rounder and fast bowler.”
There were also strong words of encouragement for the trio from Sanelisiwe Mzimela, the manager of the KZNCU RPC/Hubs Development Programme.
“I wish all the boys the best of luck. The time is now for you to shine. The time is now for you to begin with your goal that you’ve all been longing for – to represent your country. The whole South Africa is behind you so go there and make us proud.”
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