Locals give world cup a thumbs up

Ecstatic local cricket lovers have promised to rally behind the South Africa U19 women’s team when the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup starts on January 14.

Expressing their excitement at being part of this global showpiece, residents said they are ready to turn it up to witness history when the first-ever ball is unleashed at Willowmoore Park.

The first games are between Australia vs Bangladesh and the UAE against Scotland at 10:00.

South Africa’s conquest begins with a tough encounter against India at 13:45 on the main field while Sri Lanka takes on the USA on the B field.

Kempton Park resident Bruzaan Goosen urged Dinesha Devnarian’s side to keep their eyes on the ball and take to the field with confidence as they have the community’s full support.

“Good luck. I’ll be watching and supporting you all the time. You’ve got this. Never give up,” said indoor cricketer Bruzaan Goosen.

Eastern Storm and CSA U16 girls’ cricketer of the year Mpumi Mashiloane echoed Goosen’s sentiments, saying the girls should play smart and be positive.

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“Believe in yourselves. Never underestimate your opponents.

“Immediately when you enter the field, switch on.

“Whatever outcome you get after the match, keep your heads up. All the best,” she said.

KFC mini-cricket coordinator Julius Maziya said seeing the Eastern Storm’s Madison Landsman in the green and gold will inspire young female cricketers in the region to work harder.

“I wish our U19 Proteas and all the visiting teams the best of luck for the tournament.

“This world cup brings about hope and excitement to all South Africans.

“A tournament of this magnitude will surely give hope to our young aspiring cricketers, especially girls who never thought that one day it will be possible to represent their country at international level.”

Glen Landsman has pleaded with locals to show support to the girls who’ll be facing a team backed by a cricket-mad fanbase in their opener.

“I think if South Africans could come out and support our girls, it will make a huge difference in the way they play.

“The opener against India is going to be huge.

“We know worldwide that India gets massive support no matter where they play, so it would be unbelievable to turn the cards and show our ladies there is just as much support for them,” Landsman said.

Entrance is free and organisers have planned lots of fun kiddies activities in between the matches.

Also Read: Locals urged to support inaugural U19 women’s world cup