Young cricketer wants to see more development
The training I received from Andrew Hall and Jimmy Cook at the camp has helped me a lot
A cricketer from the dusty streets of Malekutu believes that a lot still needs to be done to improve the sport in townships.
Whity Nkosi (24) said since he started to play for the Malekutu Cricket Academy’s first team nearly a decade ago, little has been done in terms of developing infrastructure for cricket in townships and villages around the province.
Malekutu compete in the Ehlanzeni Cricket Premier League, which involves teams from the Mbombela area.
“I started playing cricket at the tender age of 13 while still attending school at Tsembaletfu Primary School. When I was 15 years old at Khumbula Secondary School, my two friends (Sakhile Mtsweni and Lucas Makhubela) convinced me to join MCA. I made the first team in my first year. I have never looked back since,” said the MCA all-rounder, who is both a bowler and batsman.
Nkosi said his bowling and batting skills improved considerably during a cricket camp that was held in Potchefstroom in 2009.
“After I attended the camp, my batting skills improved a lot. I’m now in the top five when it comes to batting. The training I received from Andrew Hall and Jimmy Cook at the camp has helped me a lot,” added Nkosi.
Nkosi said the highlight of his career was when he and another eight players from MCA were selected to be part of the Southern Cape Sports Barbarian team that toured Portugal for five days in 2012. During their tour, they played against other amateur teams from Portugal, Australia, England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
“That tour was an eye-opener for me. It built my confidence and even today, when I play either as a batman or bowler, I dominate all the time,” said Nkosi.
The Ehlanzeni Cricket Premier League is expected to start in September.
