North West Cricket celebrated Senwes Spinners’ decade of passion for farm school cricket development at Senwes Park on Saturday, 14 May with a glittering gala function to honour those whose hard worked had reaped rewards over the past ten   years.

Since its inception in 2006, this one of a kind development   programme has given Senwes and NW Cricket the chance of giving back to its farming community. A total of 19 schools have been involved with approximately 300 matches being played and 394 coaching session having been conducted. Each year this programme provides an opportunity to change the lives of 130 learners.

“I would like to make special mention of NWC and the management team of the Senwes Spinners Programme whose time, passion and dedication have led to a very successful ten years,” said NW Cricket CEO, Heinrich Strydom.

Its sustainability has been incredible, especially considering that not all the schools have the best facilities for cricket.

“Before we started with the Senwes Spinners project, soccer was the main sport at these schools, but cricket has now overtaken that. It has introduced a love of cricket that is unmatched. We were crawling, we were walking and now we are running,” said Ismael Minty, transformation and stakeholder manager at North West Cricket.

Francois Strydom, Senwes Group chief executive officer, also marvelled at the success of this project, which has grown to greater heights each year.

“The Spinners programme must develop a love for sport but should also change lives for the better. I want to commend Solomon Meki (manager, Youth Cricket at North West Cricket) Ismael Minty and all the coaches, parents and principals. From Senwes side, Johan Grobler and Japie Fransman have also dedicated their time and effort to this project and we are grateful for your passion,” said Strydom. “This programme has grown into the flagship for farm school cricket development in South Africa. My dream is for this Spinners programme to continue growing and developing our young cricket stars for the future,” he concluded.

Eddie Leie, the Proteas leg-spinner, was the guest speaker for the evening and motivated the young learners to never let go of their dreams and to value their own skills and talents.

“Never attach your values to the people who tell you that you can’t do it. Motivate yourself to be the best,” he said.  Phakela and Humansvlakte were supposed to contest the final at Senwes Park, but rain kept the boys off the field. The organisers decided to share the prize money and trophy between the two schools this year.

Awards:

Coach of the year: Allen Meyer (Humansvlakte)

Player of the season: Nicolaas Liebenberg

See the photos here: https://www.citizen.co.za/potchefstroom-herald/14968/in-pictures-senwes-spinners-celebrate-a-decade-of-cricket-development/

Proteas cricketer Eddie Leie motivates young cricketers at Senwes Spinners gala evening

Proteas cricketer Eddie Leie motivates young cricketers at Senwes Spinners gala evening