Listen to the article here:
North West Dragons players gave back to the Thakaneng Project in Ikageng as part of North West Cricket’s Nelson Mandela Day celebrations on Monday, 18 July.
In partnership with Stepmar Sunset Catering NW Cricket provided soup, bread rolls and 100 beanies to the staff, volunteers and children at Thakaneng Project.
The NW Dragons and NWC Staff also conducted coaching and played matches with the boys, volunteers, and staff of Thakaneng. What made the day extra special is that one of the boys, Anele Sekobe, turned six years old and shared his birthday with Tata Madiba.
“The people that actually run these centers are incredible, they are saints on earth, and we need to take our hats off to them. I think for the players and for us in a privileged position it is very humbling to come down and actually see what people and kids go through. You can also see what it meant to the kids. It gives us the motivation to do more, obviously we are honouring the great man Tata Madiba today and the legacy that he left.
“We can only try to emulate as much of that as we can, so hopefully this partnership and relationship can grow from strength to strength. We would love to see all these faces at JB Marks Oval. We saw a few balls getting hit today. It might not be long before we see one or two of them on the playing field. That is what it is about and would be great to see and open-up opportunities for players who come from a previously disadvantaged backgrounds to make it to a professional set up,” said Nicky van den Bergh, NW Dragons captain.
“It means a lot for us as the NW Dragons to be at Thakaneng. if We can inspire and grow the game of cricket in all townships and areas in South Africa. It is one of our responsibilities as professional cricket to obviously add to the game of cricket, so it means a lot to see a smile on their faces. Definitely in the near future you will see us back at Thakaneng project,” mentioned Craig Alexander, NW Dragons – Head Coach.
Meshack Seemelo, the Thakaneng Project Manager, also emphasised the important partnership that can be formed between them and NW Cricket.
“We are so happy and excited to see the NW Dragons visit and spend time with the kids on Nelson Mandela Day. The kids are so excited and happy to have spent time with the NW Dragons and to learn about cricket. We are looking forward to a great partnership with the NW Dragons and North West Cricket,” stated Seemelo.
“From now on the kids of Thakaneng Project will join the Ikageng Hub program, they will have the opportunity to access the game of cricket, receive coaching and have access to our cricket system. We will be inviting them to the cricket matches scheduled at JB Marks Oval in the month of October for the CSA T20 competition, so that they can get to experience professional cricket,” mentioned North West Cricket president, Mr. Tebogo Motlhabane.
NWC also provided Thakaneng Project with KFC Mini Cricket equipment as part of introducing the sport of cricket to the kids and the project.
