New Limpopo Impala Cricket CEO promises a fresh approach
The newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Limpopo Impala Cricket, Clayton Smith is the youngest CEO on the Chief Executive Committee.
MOKOPANE – Smith said the union strives to build a cricket identity that will create awareness and the quality of opportunity within the province. “We are the custodians of cricket in this vastly rural province with a population of 5,6 million people, 74% dwelling in tribal or traditional areas. In the years to come the footprints of ambition, caring, hope and opportunity are born from the chances we create at Limpopo cricket for the present as well as the future generations of this province.”
Smith said the offer from Limpopo Impala Cricket came as a big surprise.
“Limpopo Impala Cricket took the decision that the time is right for the union to have a CEO and decided I was the right man for this position. What made this remarkable is that at the age of 33 I am the youngest CEO serving on the Chief Executive Committee. I think my passion for cricket and all the years of experience were the basis for the council’s decision.”
According to Smith, Limpopo Impala Cricket wants to build a cricket identity that will create awareness and the quality of opportunity within the province. “We are thinking out of the box to achieve this and can announce that we are the first cricket club in South Africa that approached the Protea Women’s team to create awareness under females. We are in the process of working with the women’s Springbok team to provide cricket clinics for women in Limpopo.
“Limpopo Impala Cricket is also in the process to register for next year’s Africa T20 games.”
Smith adds Limpopo has enough talent and the province has already delivered good players.
He told Bosveld cricket has been a part of his life since he can remember. “I actively started to play when I was in Polokwane English Medium School and later through my years at Hoërskool Piet Potgieter. After school I played a year for the Old Caps cricket club and seven years after I played for Potgietersrus I left the club due to a lack of interest from the public. The club almost closed it’s doors. I played for the Eagle’s club in Polokwane for eight years. Thereafter Robert Broodryk, Erik Holtshauzen and I established the Old Boys Club in Mokopane where I am still a member and play when my schedule allows it.”
redaksie.bosveld@nmgroup.co.za
