PHALABORWA – Phalaborwa Cricket Hub was among the organisations honoured at the recent Limpopo Impala Cricket Annual Awards, receiving several accolades for its significant contributions to the development of cricket in the province.

Maverick Sedibe, head coach of both the Phalaborwa Cricket Hub and the Limpopo u/19 women’s team, was named the Limpopo Impala Cricket Provincial Team Coach of the Year.

Sedibe, who hails from Namakgale, led the Limpopo Impalas u/19 women’s team to a historic national victory in December during the Cricket South Africa National Week held at Kearsney College in KwaZulu-Natal.

Under his leadership, the team won all five of their matches, becoming national champions and securing a promotion from the Gold League to the prestigious Platinum League. This achievement made Sedibe the first coach from Limpopo to lead a provincial team to an undefeated record at a national tournament, an accomplishment that broke a long-standing streak of underperformance at this level.

Reflecting on the award, Sedibe said he is proud and grateful. “Although I couldn’t attend the ceremony to receive the trophy due to a family funeral, it feels special to be recognised for the hard work and dedication,” he said.

Sedibe’s passion for cricket began in Gr 2 at Phalaborwa Primary School in Namakgale. His talent and commitment eventually led him to represent Limpopo at both the u/19 and senior team levels.

He joined the Phalaborwa Cricket Hub as an assistant coach and later earned a promotion to head coach. Since then, he has played a key role in shaping the careers of many promising cricketers, including Prince Ngobeni, who is currently training with the senior Limpopo team, as well as Helen Rasebotsa, Sophie Motloutsi, Salphina Motloutsi, Lulama Maluleke, and Phologo Ratsona.

In addition to Sedibe’s recognition, the Phalaborwa Cricket Hub received the award for Best Committee of the Year.

Furthermore, Philip Mapheto, the hub’s chairman, was honoured with the Best Chairman Committee Award.