Young cricketers take centre stage as Africa Cup returns
Players in the U9, U11 and U13 age groups are getting seven weeks of competitive cricket as the Africa Cup Cricket Competition gets back underway.
Young cricketers have the chance to spend the next seven weeks doing what they love as the Africa Cup Cricket Competition returns on September 13.
The traditional competition brings together players in the U9, U11 and U13 age groups, giving them regular opportunities to take to the field and experience competitive cricket. For organiser Sydwell Ndlovu, the value of the competition can be seen in the experience young players gain each time they play.
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“The main purpose is to give the boys an opportunity to play, to get match experience and to improve their match fitness,” he said. He said regular matches were important for youngsters still learning the game and building confidence on the field.
“It is not only about winning. It is about giving the boys an opportunity to play and to learn from every game.” The seven-week format means players have several opportunities to improve as the competition progresses, rather than having their development determined by a single match.
Ndlovu said players could learn from both successful and difficult moments during the tournament. “Every game is an opportunity for them to improve. If they win, they gain confidence, and if they lose, they can identify where they need to improve.”
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The competition also encourages youngsters to experience the responsibilities that come with playing as part of a team. “They learn teamwork, discipline and leadership, and they also have to make decisions for themselves when they are on the field,” Ndlovu said.
With the three age groups now underway, the organisers hope the competition will continue to give young cricketers a positive environment in which to enjoy the sport.
Ndlovu said the priority was to ensure that the youngsters made the most of every opportunity presented to them during the tournament. “We want them to enjoy themselves, play cricket and develop. The most important thing is that they get the opportunity to play,” he said.
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