Symmo hits a six for ubuntu
The former Protea couldn't resist the urge to stop and join the game.
FORMER Protea cricketer Patrick Symcox, who calls the South Coast home, may have retired from the professional game, but that doesn’t mean his love of the game has retired too.
This was never more obvious than last week when as Pat was travelling along the N2 towards Pennington one evening, he spotted a group of enthusiastic youngsters playing cricket at the side of the road.
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Needless to say, Pat’s passion for the game and the excitement of seeing these young people playing so enthusiastically led to him turning back to have a chat.
Fresh in his mind was an unexpected visit to his Hibberdene office last by a young man named Gift Khuzwayo.
Gift needed Pat’s assistance in growing the demand for cricket in the Malangeni area, inland from Pennington, and not within easy striking distance of any cricket facilities.
As expected, Pat willingly stepped in, contacting the KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union development officer, who agreed to assist.
Seeing Gift’s commitment, Pat also personally sponsored cricket equipment and other items – including taxi fare – to help grow the game in that area.
Later Pat discovered that one of the rural players coached by Gift had been chosen to play in a festival match.
Watching the group play last week, and even bowling a few balls himself and providing a bit of coaching, Pat says he couldn’t help but notice one of the batsmen smashing the ball ‘like a champ’.
The following day, Pat received a call from Gift, who thanked Pat for his interest in the roadside game.
Interestingly, Gift pointed out that the talented batsman who had caught Pat’s eye was in fact the same chap from Malangeni who had been selected for the festival match.
In the Facebook post – which has since gone viral – commentators have hailed Pat for his efforts.
“I pay a huge respect to you Mr Symcox. I know the young coach Gift Khuzwayo from Malangeni, I worked with him when I was still with the union township and rural development office, before I moved to KZN Inland last year as youth cricket coordinator. Gift is a passionate young cricket coach now and the union has hired him as an assistant CSA hub coach. Thank you sir, you are a true living legend,” said Kwazi Mdluli.
“How I wish such news would spread. This is my South Africa that I am proud of, we should promote ubuntu. God bless you all,” said Vuvu Igolide Lakwa Gwala.
“Well done Pat. It’s great to see that some legends are giving back to cricket what cricket gave them. Need to see more of this and to think you have not being paid but have made many of those kids so happy,” said Charles Jacobs.
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