Midrand cricket players back on the pitch

Midrand Cricket Club got back onto the pitch for their first friendly games, against Midrand Knights Cricket Club and Tembisa Cricket Club, in preparation for their season.

The clubs gathered on 8 November at the Olifantsfontein Oval to begin four weeks of T20 games following the long lockdown which prevented the clubs from playing cricket. Chairperson for the Midrand Cricket Club, Tshoko Moloko said the games were meant to have a social edge for players who haven’t played the game they love for a while. It also prepares players for the upcoming cricket season which is scheduled to kick off in January.

Moloko added, “We’ve designated November for these practice matches… This is the first day. It looks as everyone is excited and were in early looking forward to the day. We are really happy to being active.

“We’re a family oriented club, with a lot of players with kids usually at the games. At the moment, with many of us still coming out of lockdown the usual atmosphere isn’t there. But it’s great to see everyone again.”

Moloko said the practice games were necessary as many players were very rusty and wanted to get active again. “It’s been quite difficult. A number of us have picked up weight, a lot of us are past our prime, so most of us use the club to play great social games and as a form of exercise.

“We are trying to get more people to play cricket and would like to get the local community involved with the club, whether for the social element or to keep fit. We would also like to call on the community to give their time, whether as coaches of the junior side, scorers, or any other administrative position.

“We have a few development programmes that need assistance. We want to call on residents to come and join us.”

Details: Midrand Cricket Club midrandcricketclub@gmail.com