Hat-trick of the Week (7 January 2016)
1. Sport is played on the field and not behind closed doors I fear that 2016 will be a year that selection policies and so-called quota systems will continue damaging our sport in the short run. In the long run, players might develop and start performing, but this will take a long time to occur. …
1. Sport is played on the field and not behind closed doors
I fear that 2016 will be a year that selection policies and so-called quota systems will continue damaging our sport in the short run. In the long run, players might develop and start performing, but this will take a long time to occur. The main problem with this system is that there are hardly any winners and more losers at the end of the day. Politics and sport can have a devastating impact and I and many others sports lovers in the country wish for a time that only inner merit decides players and not their outer appearance. Unity in sport is what we desperately need to survive this year.
2. Professionalism starts early
The u.19 Khaya Majola Coke Week was once again a hotbed of the country’s finest young cricketers. The talent and professionalism on display were truly remarkable to see as these youngsters took every match seriously with bat and ball. The question is how many of these players get a chance to further their career at a national or international level. Many youngsters lose out through selection policies and then find their nirvana abroad. Others get injured or lose interest and are lost from the cricketing system. The key will be to keep moulding the youngsters further – without exposing them too soon at national and international level. The balance will be vital if we want another Makhaya Ntini and want to avoid another Mfuneko Ngam situation.
3. Can Mahuza be the key to Varsity Cup success?
NWU Pukke will want to start their 2016 Varsity Cup campaign on a high when they travel to Pretoria to face Tukkies in a big opening encounter. The Pukke have had a revamp in the coaching department of late with Jonathan Mokuena taking the reigns from Robert du Preez. The proof will be in the pudding and a sweet victory will be just the start that Pukke desires.
The NWU Pukke’s former player of the year, Sylvian Mahuza has also returned to the fold after spending time at the EP Kings.
His speed and x-factor may well be what the Pukke need this season.
