Khosa Cricket Club begins new season by paying tribute

Khosa Cricket Club kicked off the new season recently by commemorating and remembering a young cricket player who passed away.

According to the club chairperson Danie Volkwyn, “A few years ago, one of our young players, Ruben Bothma, tragically lost his life to a scarce condition. It was devastating as he was only 20 years old. He was an amazing young man, a great human being and an avid sportsman. He played cricket at the club with his younger brother Martin, and his family was very supportive.”

This event was tragic and as a club, Danie said they decided to start every season with a memorial T20 tournament in his honour.

“This has been going for four years and has since grown into a memorial tournament for all Khosa Cricket members who have passed on from coaches, players, ground staff and administrators. The T20 Memorial tournament is one where all registered players for the new season can participate. Depending on availability, as many as six teams can take part. There is normally a short memorial ceremony over the lunch period to remember those that passed on.”

Danie added the club has several goals they want to achieve this season.

He said the cricket club has been in existence for many years and is built on a strong culture of bringing cricket to the community. The club originated from the Krugersdorp High School Old Scholars Association, and although they still have an affiliation with KHS, the club is open to all young and aspiring cricketers from all schools in the community.

“We are a true multi-racial community cricket club,’’ Danie emphasised.

Danie continued to say the vision of the club is to create an environment for young and older cricket players in the community to express and grow their talent, make friends and become part of one of the best cricket clubs in Gauteng.

“The club has a strong junior section catering for all junior age groups from U7 to U13. High school players start playing in the Senior Cricket section. Our Senior Section boasts two Saturday sides and six Sunday sides. We are one of only a few clubs in Gauteng with Premier League A and Premier League B sides.

“We compete in the highest league in the Central Gauteng Lions (CGL) Club Cricket Structure. Many of our school boys and girls players are part of the Gauteng and SA cricket structures and we boast one senior player, Tiaan Brits, with a CGL contract. A very exciting part of the club is the ladies’ section where the club is hoping to field two sides this season. The club also has a strong veteran’s cricket section for over 40s and 50s,” he concluded.