Bryanston coach inspires youth

Sydwell Ndlovu aspires to grow the presence of cricket among the youth of Bryanston.

Head coach of the Cover Drive Cricket School based out of Bryanston High School, Ndlovu has remained committed to the game from the young age of nine.

“I fell in love with the game because it was longer, which was something that demotivated a lot of the other guys. After school I wanted to do something that occupied most of my time and cricket was that sport,” he said.

The cricketer went on to take up the sport professionally but unfortunately sustained a career-ending injury. This however did not stop Ndlovu from sharing his love for the sport with others through coaching. “I became a coach because of my love for cricket and also my great passion for children. It is my way of helping out and contributing to the sport in any way that I can.”

Thus came the birth of the Cover Drive Cricket School which Ndlovu started about four years ago. Today the club has 10 coaches and caters for players from the U7 to U19 age groups. “It gives the children a space to learn about the game, play their hearts out, and have fun.

“Our teams compete in the summer and winter leagues which means that there is cricket all year round for the players and families to enjoy.”

Games time did take a knock last year during the lockdown but Ndlovu once again rose to the occasion, writing a book for players, coaches, and anyone looking to learn about the sport.

“Many reasons have motivated me to write the book, The ABCs of Cricket, one being the fact that we were in a hard lockdown and the kids didn’t have much to do at home. I found that writing this book would keep them connected to the game and help them under understand the basic fundamentals of cricket.”

He added that the book would also be quite helpful to parents who may have never played the game. “It is helpful to parents and coaches who want to expand their knowledge and improve their understanding of the game.”

While The ABCs of Cricket is aimed at learners in grades 1 to 7, Ndlovu is working on a second book, titled Second Chance, for learners in grade 7 to 12.

Interested in joining the Cover Drive Cricket School? Email coverdriveinternationalschool@gmail.com

Related article:

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/288637/cover-drive-cricket-school-outlines-its-goals-for-the-rest-of-the-2020-21-season/

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/293154/wanderers-womens-captain-led-team-to-victory/