GALLERY: Makhaya Ntini launches development cricket in Estcourt

"I am trying to get children away from social ills and draw them to different sporting codes,

May 12, 2018

Danielle Greaves 2 minutes read

Developing cricket with Makhaya Ntini: Former Proteas player tells how developing cricket skills from a tender age allowed him to travel the world and represent our country.

Makhaya Ntini, former Proteas player, visited Estcourt last Wednesday. The 41-year-old came to finalise the last phase of a project between the Makhaya Ntini Foundation and St Gregory Primary School.

SEE THIS: WATCH: Former Proteas bowler Makhaya Ntini is in Estcourt

The loud and bubbly, Mr Ntini introduced himself to the people he will be working closely with over the next few months. After a finger lunch, guests got seated at the Estcourt Lion’s Club.

There, St Gregory Primary School Governing Body members, together with the Mayor of Inkosi Langalibalele Municipality, Pick n Pay management and other stakeholders listened attentively to Mr Ntini.

“I have been playing from four-years-old, I am very passionate about cricket and I will be developing youngsters. I am trying to get children away from social ills and draw them to different sporting codes. Very often small towns like this get overlooked but I am going to bring development to Estcourt. We are very hands-on and you will be seeing more of me,” stated Mr Ntini during his speech.

Principal of St Gregory Primary School, Mr Jordan said that this project between the school and the Makhaya Ntini Cricket Academy will make a difference to the community. The subject of making a difference in our town brought Mr Jordan to tears.

Inkosi Langalibalele Municipality Mayor Jabulile Mbele said: “We welcome this project. I know even after my term in office, that today I was part of this historical day, which will definitely leave a legacy.

“We here at Inkosi Langalibalele Municipality encourage the universal language of sport because a health body will lead to a healthy mind,” she added.

Inkosi Langalibalele Municipality Mayor Jabulile Mbele

She went on the thank Mr Ntini for investing in our area and assured him of the municipality’s full support. After a short question and answer session, Mr Jordan thanked the Mayor, Mr Ntini and his team, his school staff, sponsors and all the attendees.

By the end of May, the project should have kicked off with an official launch. His visit wasn’t all business though; Mr Ntini also made time to visit the senior learners at St Gregory Primary School.