Each year, 18 schools are invited to participate in this three-day tournament, after which a team comprising the top players is selected. This year marks the 16th year of the Heritage Cricket Festival organised by Mr Alex Paiva, sports coordinator from Potchefstroom Boys High. The tournament will take place today (Friday, 2 – Saturday 3 September)

Teams from Gauteng, the Free State, Natal, North West and all the local schools will participate in 40- and 60- overs games, as well as a T20 on 9 fields throughout the town during the weekend. Volkies and Gimmies will play their match at Volkskool on Saturday.

Mr Paiva mentioned one specific coach, in particular: Mr Henry Grobbelaar, also an old learner from Volkskool who will be bringing his team for the 16th time this year. He is now from St. Martins.

There will be 240 children playing in the festival and 44 coaches are involved. After the weekend, a team of the top 15 players will be selected. They will be off to Sri Lanka during the April school holidays next year.