Waterstone Colleges’ cricket academy is abuzz after Saugata Das (54) was appointed the head coach of the Central Gauteng Lions U17 team for the 2025/26 season.
Das has lived in Meyersdal for almost 30 years since moving to SA from India.
His cricket journey began at age 11 in Kolkata, India, where he rose through the ranks, representing Bengal in various age groups. He captained his school’s first team and even donned the colours of the Kolkata University.
His dedication to the sport saw him play first-division cricket at 17, showcasing his talent and potential.
In SA, he represented the Southern Old Boys (1992-1995), the Transvaal Board XI (1993), and Triangle Rovers (1995 to 1998).
Das brings nearly three decades of cricket experience, having played and coached in India, England and SA.
His coaching career began in 1992, mentoring U11 and U13 boys at the Southern Old Boys and roles with the Vaal Cricket Association, the HTS Vereeniging Cricket Academy and General Smuts School.
His expertise saw him appointed as a professional coach under the Vaal Cricket Association from 1995 to 1998, where he coached clubs and schools in the Vaal region. He holds a Level 3 coaching accreditation from Cricket South Africa (CSA), showcasing his development in the sport over the years.
As director of cricket and head coach at Waterstone College, Das has led the cricket teams to numerous successes, including the selection of 14 boys for Gauteng Regional Cricket teams in 2025.
His appointment as head coach for the Central Gauteng Lions U17 team and selector for the U14 and U15 teams is a testament to his coaching skills. He will take charge of the Gauteng Lions U17 team after it is selected in October. The season begins in early November.
He will compete against some of the best U17 provincial teams and coaches in SA, a testament to coach Das’s influence and commitment to cricket, as he still competes at the top level.
