Duduza Cricket Club veterans look to return stronger after challenging winter campaign

Duduza Cricket Club recently completed a challenging Veterans League campaign, with its over-40 side gaining valuable experience against some of Ekurhuleni’s most competitive veteran cricketers.

The Veterans League is a winter competition catering exclusively for players aged 40 and older.

This season featured 24 clubs divided into two groups, with teams competing in 30-over matches on Sundays.

Morning fixtures started at 08:30, while afternoon matches got underway at 13:30. The competition followed a knockout format, with pink balls used throughout.

Duduza Cricket Club entered one team and also hosted matches at its home ground.

The club staged two double-headers in Duduza during the winter campaign, bringing a full day of competitive cricket to the community.

Although Duduza was eventually eliminated, the campaign provided the players with important lessons and valuable exposure against experienced opposition. The league’s strict rules and bylaws kept the competition tight, requiring players to maintain discipline and consistency throughout the campaign.

Among those celebrated were Douglas Sibali and Tshepo “Geco” Mofokeng, who have played important roles in the development of Duduza Cricket Club.

Sibali, who has been closely involved in the club’s establishment and growth, said the experience motivated the club to work harder ahead of the next campaign.

“We are proud of what Duduza Cricket Club has achieved. Although we were eliminated, the Veterans League gave us valuable lessons and showed us where we need to improve. Being recognised for our contribution to Duduza cricket is special, and it motivates us to work harder. We will come back next winter stronger, better prepared and determined to compete for honours,” he said.

Mofokeng, a long-serving coach and contributor to player development at the club, was also among those recognised for his contribution to Duduza cricket.

After the final, the Veterans League executive committee thanked Duduza Cricket Club for hosting matches and providing well-prepared playing strips. The recognition acknowledged the club’s efforts to ensure quality playing conditions for visiting teams and contribute to the competition’s success.

The recently completed campaign has now given Duduza a clear platform from which to build.

The club plans to step up its preparations ahead of next winter, aiming to improve its overall standard and return to the competition ready to challenge for honours.

The Veterans League season culminated in divisional finals, with the Cup final at Benoni Northerns, the Plate final at Alberton Cricket Club and the Bowl final at St Benedict’s Main Oval.

The finals also included the distribution of outstanding Man of the Match caps from the previous season.

At the same time, the Batter, Bowler and All-Rounder of the Season awards were presented to the respective players.