Doctor Mabena is the first player from eMbalenhle on the cricket pitch
“I coached the cricket U/19 school team until I obtained my cricket coaching qualification in Bakers mini cricket level 1 and level 2,” he said.
eMBALENHLE – Doctor Mabena is a co-founder of the eMba Cricket Club and was the first cricket player in eMbalenhle.
Mabena began playing cricket back in 1992 and was encouraged by the late former Govan Mbeki executive mayor, Sipho Nkosi who was his teacher at the time.
According to Mabena, he was playing Bakers mini cricket while being a learner at Lifalethu Primary School.
He later encouraged learners from other schools to try their hand at this sport.
“When we realised that we were now a team, we decided to introduce cricket as one of the sports at eMbalenhle Sasol Club.
“We were welcomed by the management at the time and the eMba Cricket Club was formed.
“Thereafter, I played in the South Eastern school league until I completed my matric in 1995 at Kiriyatswane Secondary School.”
The eMba Cricket Club became affiliated with the South Eastern senior league in 1997.
“I coached the cricket U/19 school team until I obtained my cricket coaching qualification in Bakers mini cricket level 1 and level 2,” he said.
Mabena then began coaching for the Mpumalanga provincial cricket union.
He coached the U/13, U/15, U/17, U/18 and U/19 teams as well as the women’s cricket for special schools during the 2012/2013 season.
He is currently the eMba Cricket Club’s chairman and coach.
Three of his players are now playing for the Mpumalanga Rhinos and some will move on to the national team.
Mabena encouraged township schools to build cricket teams and he is available for any assistance. Mabena can be contacted on 078 754 9908.
