LIMPOPO – Vumboni Blessing Mabunda from Nkambako village near Tzaneen has been recognised as one of South Africa’s top cricket development coaches after winning the national best hub coach award at the Cricket South Africa awards ceremony held in Sandton on July 16.

Mabunda coaches at the Nkowankowa Cricket Hub.

The prestigious award recognises coaches who have made an outstanding contribution to developing cricket at grassroots level and nurturing young talent.

Mabunda’s achievement has placed both his community and Limpopo on the national sporting map, highlighting the impact that dedicated coaches continue to make despite limited resources.

‘This award is encouragement’

Speaking after receiving the award, Mabunda said the recognition had inspired him to work even harder and demonstrated that success is possible regardless of where one comes from.

“To me, this award is encouragement. It demonstrates that even when one comes from a rural village with limited resources to carry out your task, hard work will eventually make you stand out,” he said, adding that the award has motivated him to work even harder to improve his coaching career.

Only the beginning

Mabunda further explained that he viewed the award not as the pinnacle of his coaching journey but as motivation to raise the standard of his work in the coming season.

“As we begin a new season, I must ensure that I achieve even more than I did last season. To me, this award is only the beginning. There are many more awards to come if I continue to work hard,” he said.

A message to fellow coaches

He also encouraged fellow cricket coaches across the country to remain committed to developing young players, saying the true value of coaching lies in making a positive difference in the lives of children rather than pursuing financial rewards.

“The most important thing about being a coach is not winning money or gaining material rewards. It is about having a passion for the game and being committed to changing the lives of young people who look up to you by helping them achieve their dreams,” he said.

Mabunda further urged coaches never to underestimate the value of dedication, saying their efforts often go unnoticed until they are recognised.

“One should always work hard and remain committed because you never know who is watching your work. With this award, I never knew that someone had been observing what I was doing. I only realised it when I was called onto the stage to receive the award. So, wherever you are and whatever you do, perform your work with dedication and commitment,” he said.