While football dominates many township sporting conversations, the Rabie Ridge Cricket Academy Tigers are determined to prove that cricket talent is thriving in the community, even without the facilities needed to help it flourish.

Founded in 2016, the academy has spent nearly a decade introducing young people to the sport and creating opportunities for them to compete in Gauteng’s junior cricket structures.

However, academy head coach Peter McPherson believes the lack of proper facilities continues to limit the club’s growth and the recognition of local talent.

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“The community does not actually know about the talent that is right there under their noses, because we don’t have a cricket pitch. We did have cricket practice nets, but during service delivery protests they were vandalised, and people took the steelwork. So, that is what we are currently sitting with.”

McPherson said the academy was established with a purpose that extends beyond developing cricketers.

“I believe that through sport, we can actively engage with the youth and try to change the narrative of their current trajectories. We want to change that negative narrative into a positive one, using sport as a catalyst to achieve those desired outcomes.”

Despite the challenges, the academy has celebrated significant success. McPherson said one of the club’s proudest achievements was seeing a player, Barend Paulse, who progressed through its junior ranks, become one of Gauteng’s top-performing cricketers. “He was the best all-round player for the 2024/25 season across all senior men’s divisions.”

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The academy currently participates in the Saturday league and works closely with the Sandton Tigers Cricket Club to ensure its players receive regular match experience. “We’re grateful to be associated with the academy because it ensures our players get proper game time and valuable on-the-field match experience.”

Looking ahead, McPherson hopes to see cricket become more visible and accessible in Rabie Ridge. “We need better visibility because, at the moment, we don’t have the facilities to host Gauteng junior matches or cricket matches at all.

“My ambition is to uplift the youth by using sport as a vehicle for change. The bigger the game grows, the more young people we can bring into our structures.

“Hopefully, one day we’ll produce Proteas players from our very own community because the talent is here. It’s recognised elsewhere, but not enough here in the black townships.”

McPherson concluded that with the right support and infrastructure, Rabie Ridge has the potential to become a breeding ground for future cricket stars.

Potential donors can contact Peter McPherson on 075 107 2432.

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