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Saugata Das: Waterstone College’s cricket maestro with extensive of expertise

Coach Saugata Das is a highly accomplished cricket coach with an illustrious background in the sport. He has an impressive journey that spans several countries and extensive coaching experiences over the last 28 years.

Saugata Das, a name synonymous with cricket excellence, has established himself as one of the preeminent cricket coaches at Waterstone College.

With a career spanning almost three decades, Das brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the sport to the coaching field. From his early beginnings in India to his diverse coaching roles in South Africa, Das’s journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to cricket.

A journey rooted in passion

According to Magriet Payne, marketing manager of Waterstone College, Das’s tryst with cricket began at the tender age of 11 in India.

“Swiftly rising through the ranks, he represented Bengal in various age groups, captained his school’s first team, and even donned the colours of Kolkata University. His dedication to the sport saw him playing first-division cricket at the young age of 17, showcasing his immense talent and potential.

“The cricketing adventure took Das to England, where he played for Sudbury Cricket Club in the Minor County under the Middlesex League during 1989-90 and 1990-91. In South Africa, he left an indelible mark, representing Southern Old Boys from 1992 to 1995, donning the jersey of Transvaal Board XI in 1993, and later playing for Triangle Rovers from 1995 to 1998.

“However, it is not just his playing career that sets Das apart. With coaching experiences spanning nearly three decades, Das’s influence on the cricketing world is far-reaching.

“His coaching journey began in 1992, mentoring U11 and U13 boys at Southern Old Boys. His expertise saw him appointed as a professional coach under the Vaal Cricket Association from 1995 to 1998, where he coached clubs and schools in the Vaal region,” said Payne.

A legacy of nurturing talent

Payne expressed that Das’s coaching prowess continued to blossom.

“He took on the role of Vaal’s coach under the Gauteng Cricket Board in 2003 and also served as the Premier League coach for VUT from 2005 to 2011. His contributions extended to the Gauteng Country District Team, which he coached in 2007 and 2008.

“He also served as the head coach at HTS Vereeniging Cricket Academy from 2006 to 2012, leaving an indelible mark on budding cricketers.

“Balancing his roles as an educator and cricket in charge at General Smuts School, Das worked tirelessly for Gauteng Cricket as the area coordinator for Sedibeng for six years.

“His dedication was further evident as he held the position of head coach for Gauteng Country District in 2014-2015 and 2015-2016, showcasing his ability to nurture young talent.

“Das’s impact on the cricketing landscape did not stop there. He coached the Lions U19 team during the Cubs Week in 2016 and served as the head coach for Gauteng Schools U19B in 2017. From 2018 to 2019, he assumed the role of assistant coach for Central Gauteng Lions U19A, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier cricket coach.

“Presently, Saugata Das holds the esteemed position of director of cricket at Curro Waterstone College. Here, he imparts his extensive knowledge and unwavering passion for the game to the next generation of cricketers.

Das’s rich playing and coaching experiences have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the world of cricket, and his legacy is set to inspire generations to come,” said Payne.

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