Armature cricket has been put on hold until Monday, 1 February, by Cricket South Africa.
While, initially disappointed, vice-chairperson of Amanzimtoti Cricket Club, Matthew Hamer, said that the organisation is more than happy to comply with regulations.
“On the one hand it’s disappointing because the players obviously want to play and compete in the various leagues we participate in. You can practice and have simulation games, but as a player you want to be out on the pitch competing. However, we all appreciate that Covid-19 is a very serious pandemic and for safety and health reasons we naturally accept lockdown regulations and are more than happy to comply.”
Despite the added challenge, the club aims to keep up the good spirit and the moment from last year going.
“In the first quarter of 2020, we were guessing more than having any concrete hopes. We did not know what or where the virus would lead to. We had to change and adapt plans for the club. Any sports club needs funds to operate and fortunately we have a hard working and dedicated committee, along with many keen parents and players which allowed us to progress as a club, even in these times.”
“The sports council have also been helpful and approachable. Our main hope during 2020 was for the club to put into place a sustainable coaching structure; create a healthy and positive environment for members and the community as well as opening communication to many former players and older members. In this way, building up the history of the club. We want to continue with this in 2021 and our slogan, above and beyond, sums up much of our hopes for this year. On the playing field, we hope cricket as we know it, is allowed to be opened in February and we can compete in shortened league formats.”
Cricket is a team game with social dynamics and the club itself is built around social interaction, so any form of lockdown is not easy. However, the group of players are incredibly mature and positive and as whole have coped well.
He hopes that the team can maintain premier league status and overall that all players can play in a healthy team environment at some of the best local facilities in the province. “The real danger for any club sport in these times is how clubs cope financially. All sports clubs need funds to operate and sponsorship and fundraising are vital aspects. Lockdown affects the potential sustainability of most sports clubs. It is very challenging for local sport in the community. Our teams have battled with the delays in getting back out on the fields and playing. You prepare to play and then have to face the realities of lockdown.”
“ACC has a junior programme, a women’s team, and senior men’s teams. The grounds and facilities are among the best in the province and indeed the country. We recently opened our dedicated cricket clubhouse and I encourage any young aspiring cricketers to join the club as well as any cricketer of any age or gender.”
ALSO READ: Amanzimtoti Cricket Club opens clubhouse
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