Two sides from different backgrounds and cultural settings took to the cricket field to showcase their love for the sport in Potchefstroom recently.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) in partnership with Momentum held its Friendship Games initiative that saw Potchefstroom Gimnasium take on the Matlosana Hub in a T20 match at the Gimmies Oval on Saturday, 21 October. Gimmies eventually won the match by 30 runs, but at the end of the day it was more about promoting friendship and camaraderie through cricket.

Parents cheered from the field, players encouraged each other and sportsmanship reined supreme at the end of the day.

The main idea behind match according to North West Cricket senior manager, Tommy Phiri was to “encourage what we do at North West and involve parents from the hubs in creating cricket conversation at home. This initiative is brilliant in promoting what we do here to promote the game.”

Photos: Wouter Pienaar

Gimmies coach, Johan Briel, and Matlosana Hub coach, Elriesa Fourie were was also full of praise for the concept that saw players given the opportunity to enjoy cricket against opposition they do not normally play against.

“The ultimate goal for these players is to play for the national team and the hub gives these kids the opportunity to play and enjoy cricket,” said Fourie.

The initiative focuses on up-skilling players whilst also overcoming cultural boundaries for the love of cricket. Naturally, both teams cannot wait for a possible round 2 encounter as bat and ball will once again play a vital role in the growth and momentum of these young players.