A healthy body equals a healthy mind and this is exactly what O’Niel Naicker aims to achieve.
The talented cricketer has plans to get youngsters off the streets and onto the sports fields. Together with fellow police officer, Joey Kalicharan, O’Niel hopes to give youngsters opportunities that he never had growing up.
Too often, youngsters are drawn to social ills as a means of acceptance and escape.
However, through sport, they can break these habits and lead a healthy life.
The team, which will be made up of players under the age of 17, will be called Umzinyathi Development and will compete in the upcoming cricket season. The players come from poor backgrounds and do not have the necessary equipment or funds to play the game.
O’Niel has also recruited five players over the age of 17 to help coach the youngsters and give them much needed experience. ‘I don’t want the youngsters to fall on hard times and turn to drugs and alcohol as a means of coping.
“I want them to use sports to go far in life.”
Already numerous youngsters have asked to join the team, eager to prove their skills. However, in order to make the dreams of these youngsters a reality, Umzinyathi Development require sponsorships. From administration fees to equipment, the club need assistance to be able to compete this season.
Umzinyathi Development are appealing to the community at large to help give the youngsters a chance to play. O’Niel thanked The LAN for their sponsorship and his wife for her support. If you would like to contribute towards Umzinyathi Development, please contact O’Niel on 079 741 0795.
