Crusaders host uMlazi in friendly
There is talk of the game being played on an annual basis home-and-away.
THE HollywoodBets Crusaders hosted Umlazi Cricket Club in a historic pre-season friendly at the Crusaders Sports Ground on Sunday. The ‘Good Guys’ played two T20 games against the team from the township with the second game having mixed teams. The scoreline didn’t matter in the end but a bond between the two clubs is certainly forming with talk of an annual pre-season friendly being played home and away.
Xolani Gasa, who is the chairman, groundsman and head coach of the Umlazi Cricket Club said the game was a wonderful opportunity for his young team.
“This is just awesome, it’s great for our team because we have a lot of youngsters in the team. We are just so thankful to learn and just have the opportunity to play the champs on their home ground. We would never have an opportunity like this so before the game I told my players to soak up the experience and just love every moment. We are the first team from the township to come and play a pre-season friendly in Durban North and next year we are hoping the Crusaders will play us in uMlazi,” Gasa said.
Rob Clift, chairman of Crusaders said the game was of benefit to both sides.
“It was a brilliant day, and an amazing experience. I think the second game where we mixed the teams was more competitive and it was great being able to share and learn with the youngsters. Earlier this year we donated R10 000 worth of cricket equipment to the club and we want to continue this bond,” he said.
