Ayanda Pre-School is grooming young cricketers
Ayanda Pre-School’s mini-cricket programme was founded a year ago with an aim of getting rid of the stigma that the sport “for whites only".
Talking to Kathorus MAIL on Thursday, May 4, Boipelo Madumo, head coach of the programme, said, “We found out that even though there are a few black cricketers out there, they are struggling with the fundamentals of cricket because they only start taking up the sport from age 13 or above,” said Madumo.
He said the mini-cricket programme teaches young cricketers all the basics of cricket, including handling the ball, bowling and batting.
“As they grow older they will be taught the rules,” said Madumo.
He said when the mini-cricket programme was founded in March last year, they wanted to see the children’s reaction.
“After seeing the positive reaction of the children, we decided to give it a go.
“The cricket programme takes students from Ayanda Pre-School only,” said Madumo.
He said with the talent shown by young cricketers, he can see the Lance Kluseners of the future.
“Looking at the talent displayed by young people here, I am certain that the future of South African cricket is bright,” said Madumo.
He said he would like to see a large number of black people playing cricket just as with soccer.
One of the young cricketers in the Ayanda Pre-School mini cricket programme, Gomolemo Kwenaite, said he found playing the sport very interesting.
“Being coached by Madumo is also nice,” said Kwenaite.
He said he would like to become a professional cricketer one day. Other young cricketers would be impressed if they saw them playing, he added. He would like to play competitive games against other pre-schools, he said.
Also Read: Coach creating a love for cricket
