Around the Wicket Vol 5

AROUND THE WICKET

GREATNESS Begins Here

Nonkululeko Mlaba awarded Sportswoman of the Year at KZNDSAC Annual Awards

KZNCU Club Finals played under lights at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead

Volume 5

PITCH MAP 04 05 07 11 15 19 21 23

KZNDSAC Awards

Nonkululeko Mlaba bags sportswoman of the year

National Call-Ups

Celebrating our National Call-Ups

Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies

The ladies top the One Day Cup log, leading into the Christmas break

KZNCU Schools

A Capping Ceremony to remember and school highlights for 2023

KZNCU Clubs

T20 Finals played under lights and recent Castle Club Logs

Dolphins School of Excellence

Summaries from the DSE U13 & U9 tournaments

KFC Mini Cricket 2500+ games played through our KFC Mini Cricket Program in 2023

Veteran’s Cricket

Veterans players receiving National Call-Ups

SOUTH AFRICA VS INDIA 10 December 2023 | Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium

MLABA BAGS KZN SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies and Proteas star Nonkululeko Mlaba was crowned the KZN Sports Woman of the Year at the recent KZN Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Annual Awards ceremony hosted over the weekend.

Mlaba, who has risen to the top of international cricket, is currently ranked as the second best bowler in the world in women’s T20 cricket and was an important part of the side that reached the T20 World Cup final at the beginning of the year.

It was a second consecutive year that Mlaba was recognised at the awards after she and fellow Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies Nondumiso Shangase were awarded the MEC Black Blazer Awards in 2022 for their contribution to cricket in the province. It’s been well documented that Mlaba’s rise through the ranks was a note-worthy one as she only took up the game of cricket to join in on playing with her friends and family who enjoyed cricket.

From there she graduated through the KZNCU, Sunfoil and KZNDSAC Hub Development Programme and into the provincial side before ‘Leftie’ forced her way into the national set-up with some strong domestic performances for the Hollywoodbets Dolphins.

The popular left-arm spinner remains a mainstay across formats for the Proteas with her pin-point accuracy and tendency to pick up wickets.

“We are incredibly proud of what Nonkululeko has achieved in both Hollywoodbets Dolphins and Proteas colours,” President of the KZN Cricket Union Yunus Bobat said.

“Her rise to the top of the international rankings has been a testament to how hard she has worked throughout her career and she remains a guiding light to young players that want to pursue a career in cricket.”

CEO of the KZN Cricket Union Heinrich Strydom was full of praise for Mlaba who continues to improve and achieve at the highest level.

“We celebrate Nonku, not just for this award but for her overall contribution to the female space,” Strydom said. “She has been an absolute champion with a real hunger for success.

We look forward to continue walking this journey with her, may it long continue.”

4

NATIONAL SELECTION Congratulations to the following players who have received recent National squad call-ups.

Momentum Proteas Squad vs Bangladesh Nonkululeko Mlaba, Nondumiso Shangase, Ayanda Hlubi (Maiden Call Up) Named in the 20 International (T20I) squad set to face Bangladesh in the white ball tour on home soil, from 03 – 23 December 2023.

SA U19 Men’s World Cup Provisional Squad Romashan Pillay & Nqobani Mokoena Cricket South Africa has today named a provisional 18-player South Africa Under 19s (SA U19s) squad for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 to be held in Sri Lanka from 13 January – 04 February. The finalized 15-player list and three non-travelling reserves will be announced in December.

SA Emerging Women tour to Zimbabwe Ayanda Hlubi Seshnie Naidu Nondumiso Shangase Nobulumko Baneti

Cricket South Africa (CSA) unveiled the SA Emerging Women squad that competed against Zimbabwe in a sixmatch T20 series from 19 – 27 November. All matches were hosted in the capital city of Harare.

The first three unofficial T20s were slated for the Harare Sports Club, followed by the latter half at the Takashinga Sports Club.

5

SA Emerging sealed a 53-run victory over Zimbabwe at the Takashinga Sports Club in Harare on Monday 27 November to win the T20 series 3-2.

Congratulations to our Hollywoodbets Dolphins superstar, Khaya Zondo, who has been named in the SA 'A' squad that takes on West Indies in 3 4-Day matches in November and December.

#READYFORMORE

LADIES ON TOP OF THE TABLE Since Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced the launch of a Professional Domestic Women's League in an effort to grow the game even further in the country, the Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies have shown their intent in the One Day Cup. The women's structure has undergone significant changes with the number of permanent contracts in the Top Six Division 1 being raised from 6 to 11 players per team. Additionally, an improved and permanent coaching setup has been implemented, consisting of a head coach, an assistant coach, a physiotherapist and a strength and conditioning coach attending to each team.

The ladies latest victory, came against the Fidelity Titans at home. The Titans travelled to Durban as the closest rivals to the Dolphins on the 50 Over log and the home side put in a clinical performance to show the rest of the teams in the competition that they are certainly title contenders.

Batting first in the 50 over match on Saturday, it was Nicole de Klerk who the Dolphins had to thank for their 216 all out. De Klerk, batting at three, blasted 90 off just 79 deliveries with ten fours and three sixes.

The display with the ball from the Dolphins was clinical. The off spin of Kiara Fisher came to the fore as she bagged 6 wickets on the day. Nonkululeko Mlaba ended the chase when she bowled Josephine Maswangane to bag her third wicket and give the Dolphins a commanding 110 run win.

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins will take a break from their leagues and will resume their season on 18 February 2024 against the DP World Lions at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium.

“I am happy with the growth of the team, the ladies have been working hard and I am confident that this will show through their performance on the field. The One day matches were a great start in showcasing what the team is capable of. versus Western Province was a good start in showcasing what the team is capable of. It is still early in the season and it's now just a matter of finding consistency in our performance in both formats. With the secind games remaining for the season and I firmly believe the ladies will find their solidity” -Angelique Taai, Head Coach

7

MATCH SUMMARIES Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies vs Western Province Ladies Six Gun Grill Newlands, Cape Town Saturday, 01 October 2023 (CSA Women’s One Day Cup) - Rained Out Sunday, 02 October 2023 (Women’s T20 Challenge) Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies 102/5 (20) Western Province Ladies 105/3 Western Province Ladies won by 7 wickets

C Gounden 28 (34) A Candler 2-0-9-1

Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies vs Western Province Ladies Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban Saturday, 21 October 2023 (CSA Women’s One Day Cup) Western Province Ladies 109/10 (32.5) Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies 110/5 (24.1) Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies won by 5 wickets

J DeFigueiredo 8-3-14-3 C Gounden 29 (65)

Sunday, 22 October 2023 (Women’s T20 Challenge) - Rained Out Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies vs Fidelity Titans Ladies Supersport Park, Centurion Saturday, 04 November 2023 (CSA Women’s One Day Cup) Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies 152/10 (44.5) Fidelity Titans Ladies 155/2 (39.2) Fidelity Titans Ladies won by 8 wickets

Sunday, 05 November 2023 (Women‘s T20 Challenge) Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies 140/4 Fidelity Titans Ladies 143/5 Fidelity Titans Ladies won by 5 wickets

A Candler 50 (101) N Mlaba 10-3-25-1

N Shangase 57 (50) K Fisher 4-0-26-2

Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies vs Recon Tactical Free State Ladies Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein Saturday, 11 November 2023 (CSA Women‘s One Day Cup) Recon Tactical Free State 117/10 Z Mali 7-3-10-3 Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies 118/2 N De Klerk 61 (64) Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies won by 8 wickets

Sunday, 12 November 2023 (Women‘s T20 Challenge) Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies 105/6 Recon Tactical Free State Ladies 39/10 Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies won by 66 runs

C Gounden 34 (38) N Mlaba 4-1-10-3

Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies vs Recon Tactical Free State Ladies Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban Saturday, 18 November 2023 (CSA Women’s One Day Cup) Recon Tactical Free State Ladies 150/10 (45.1) Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies 151/1 (28.4) Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies won by 9 wickets

A Hlubi 10-1-50-4 C Gounden 71 (93)

Sunday, 19 November 2023 (Women’s T20 Challenge) Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies 123/8 (20) Recon Tactical Free State Ladies 107/5 (20) Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies won by 16 runs

Z Mali 24 (18) A Hlubi 4-1-14-3

Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies vs Fidelity Titans Ladies Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban Saturday, 25 November 2023 (CSA Women’s One Day Cup) Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies 216/10 (43.3) Fidelity Titans Ladies 106/10 (36.1) Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies won by 110 runs

N De Klerk 91 (79) K Fisher 10-2-19-6

Sunday, 22 October 2023 (Women’s T20 Challenge) Fidelity Titans Ladies 133/6 (20) Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies 118/9 (20) Fidelity Titans Ladies won by 15 runs

A Hlubi 4-0-27-2 A Hlubi 21 (19)

All matches are live streamed on Pitchvision when the ladies play away and entrance is free when the team play at home.

SCHOOL CRICKET Highlights National U19 Boys Camp selection: 19th to 22nd October 2023 Romashan Pillay, Nqobani Mokeona, Bayanda Majola.

National SA20 U19 Girls Camp selection: 02nd to 05th November 2023 Hannah Warner, Shanel Madurai, Luyanda Nzuza, Nomfundo Mthombeni, Seshnie Naidu Dolphins National and Regional Week Teams Selection: April to November 2023 The selection process was a massive success in terms of the players identified within the Dolphins pipeline to be our future stars. Teams have been selected and our capping ceremony set for the 23rd November 2023. Teams have been training as a unit and are busy with warm-up matches to aid in their preparation.

PAP Camp with Dinesha Devnarain A player acceleration program in the view of exposing the girls at U16 and U19 to the mission, vision and purpose of the SAU19 Women’s and Team.

11

CAPPING CEREMONY In a prestigious schools capping ceremony held under lights at the wondrous Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, we celebrated the future cricket legends of our Province. These girls and boys will represent the Dolphins at their upcoming CSA National Weeks and Regionals Weeks.

U11 Boys Regional Week

U11 Boys Regional Week

Blue Daniel De Wet Le Roux Matthew Hope Mluleki Hlope Umar Paruk Harry Ogilby Rayyaan De Vasconcellos Nyasha Myotcha Dylan Kidgell Ayush Pundit Prince Cele Zhamir Khalan Yahya Ballim Samkelo Zondo

Green Cameron Kock Ryan Wood Nhlonipho Mjadu Owais Khader Matthew Ivey Mark Mills Lindokuhle Ngongoma Zack Bruyns Oliver Hooper Michael Laurence Dane Sweet Yahya Limbada Mpilo Khomo

Gauteng 02 - 05 December

Head Coach - Heino Beneke Manager - Yusuf Bhorat

Highbury Highbury DPHS Highbury DPHS St Catherine's Hillcrest Darnall Primary Zandile Primary DPHS Clifton Georgedale

Gauteng 02 - 05 December

Coach: Knowledge Vilakazi Manager: Andrew Dyer

Umhlali Prep Highbury Mtunzini Primary Penzance Umhlali Prep Chelsea Glenwood Prep Ashton Highbury Winston Park Atholl Heights Manor Gardens DPHS

U13 Girls Week

Kokstad 01-03 December Kendra Kreinacke Sanjana Madona Kelly Browning Sphesihle Mhlongo Zoe Manickum Sophie Read Naledi Shozi Anelisa Mhlongo Snegugu Khumalo Mbili Lethokuhle Yamkela Shange Saranya Govender Nobe Zwane

Hillcrest Curro Atholl Heights Thomas More Thakasani Atholton Northlands Primary Albin Combined School INK Hub INK Hub INK Hub Mgada Primary Umhlali Prep Grantleigh Curro

Head Coach - Mzwandile Sibiya Asst. Coach - Msizi Khuzwayo Manager - Asheta Mahabeer

U13 Boys Regional Week Easterns 02 - 05 December Blue Luqmaan Mahomed Yusuf Osman Cameron White Benji Wimble Anotha Ngubane Sbonga Ngubo Connor Rowley Dean Miller Gaurav Sewlal Treval Chetty Elandre Van Rooyen Gontse Makopo Taine Lawson

DPHS DPHS Chelsea Prep Chelsea Prep INK Hub Penzance Highbury Prep DPHS Westville Senior Umhlali Prep Heuwelland Primary Penzance Umhlali Prep

Coach: Lance Padayachee Manager: Darren Pearce

U13 Boys Regional Week

U15 Boys Regional Week

Green Ryan Willis Jeremiah Joseph Qhamani Sikutshwa Rithvik Chintlapudi Asher Hollister Taylor Ludlow Luke Mallett Ryan Staats Luyanda Nzuza Cameron Rudolph Jose Serwanga Akhiel Sinath Hamzah Mahomedy

Green Muhammed Malek Thomas Oosthuizen Aaron Blackburn Keegan De Jager Daniel Miskey Paul Momoh Rivan Moodley Kelso Baillache Cade Francis Kreesan Pillai Aaron Rasmussen Bayanda Xulu Owami Dladla

Easterns 02 - 05 December

Virginia Prep Penzance Margate Primary Richards Bay CS Highbury Prep DPHS DPHS Thomas More College Penzance Ashton College Richards Bay Academy Sarnia Primary Berea West

Pretoria 07 - 10 December

Clifton Northwood Kearsney Kearsney Kearsney Hillcrest High Clifton Westville Kearsney Glenwood Westville Newlands East Mzwilili

Coach: Kuben Gounder Manager: Dhiven Moodley

Head Coach - Mthokosizi Shezi Manager - Andre Pretorius

U15 Boys Regional Week

U16 Girls National Week

Blue David De Bruyn Tristan Delvin Olwami Zondi Litha Gonya Shiraz Perumal Taine Havermann Lwandile Bulose Thabiso Mtambo Ethan Jenkins Misbah Nair Qaeed Shaik Kyle McGough Jamie Wimble

Hannah Warner Aleah Govender Entle Mkhaliphi Shreeya Subbiah Ziyanda Xulu Tamika Govender Noxolo Biyela Riankah Rameshwur Zukiswa Msiya Habeebah Shaik Kayla Driver Londeka Ntombela Thando Dladla

Pretoria 07 - 10 December

Northwood Westville Glenwood Kearsney Clifton DHS Glenwood Northwood DHS Westville Clifton Westville Northwood

Coach: Wayne Scott Manager: Wandile Mlangeni

Pietermaritzburg 11 - 16 December Hillcrest Curro Durban Girls High Sivananda High Westville Girls Nqabakazulu High Wingen Heights Tisand Technical CambriLearn Dr J Dube High Al Falaah College Our Lady of Fatima Riverdene Sec. Makhumbuza High

Head Coach - Dheyanka Naidoo Asst. Coach - Nicole De Klerk Manager - Wendy Ngema

U16 Boys National Week Oudtshoorn 10 - 14 December Sbani Qwabe Ismaeel Omar Joshua Van Biljoen Roxton Payne Dayalan Boyce Semal Pillay Asanda Mthembu Kyle White Tuswa Phetha Tim Saulez Kenzo Mchunu Akhil Maharaj Jayden Roux

Mtapho High School DHS DHS Westville Boys Westville Boys DHS Umlazi Comtech Northwood Northwood Clifton Glenwood Glenwood Clifton

U17 Boys Regional Week Benoni 07 - 10 December Shahzaad Perumal Thayin Kuppen Mfanafuthi Shange Max Robertson Sibonela Phewa Kaeden McAllister Cameron Veenstra Nicandro Kistna Dhilan Naraidu Sandiswa Yeni Murray Weyer Ethan Warner Ryan Browning

Clifton College Northwood Northwood Westville Boys Glenwood Westville Boys Kearsney Westville Boys Glenwood Kearsney Kearsney Curro Hillcrest Kearsney

Head Coach - Darryl Govender Asst. Coach - Gavin Reddy Manager - Taylor Cox

Head Coach - Richard Wissing Asst. Coach - Caleb Pillay Manager - Cayle Marillier

U18 Girls National Week

U18 Boys National Week

Cape Town 10 - 14 December Seshnie Naidu Luyanda Nzuza Sisanda Ngubane Esihle Kawu Nomfundo Mthombeni Thandiswa Majola Shanel Madurai Noluyolo Mkhaliphi Olwethu Gasa Lusanda Khwela Jenna Alexander Nonkululeko Makhubu Nokulunga Shangase

JR Educational Centre Newforest High Umlazi Comtech Mandlenkosi High Sivananda High Sivananda High Apollo Secondary Avoca Secondary NESS Nilgiri Secondary Thomas More Sivananda High Sithandimfundo Sec.

Head Coach - Sandile Caluza Asst. Coach - Prudence Gcabashe Manager - Busi Mbhele

Makhanda 16 - 20 December Aryan Gopalan Hayden Bishop Bandile Mbatha Romashan Pillay Blake Simpson Nqobani Mokoena Ross Coetzee Evan Fouche Mitch Tillard Ntando Soni Bayanda Majola Melusi Hadebe Camden Riley

Westville Boys Kearsney Glenwood Westville Boys Westville Boys Northwood Kearsney Northwood Clifton Glenwood DHS Felixton Clifton

Head Coach - Kenneth Mafunga Asst. Coach - Christo Esau Manager - Thomas Jackson

T20 CLUB FINALS UNDER LIGHTS

T20 League Winners: Veterans League - KCCD Promotion League - Hillary Malvern Premier League - Crusaders

15

MENS PROMOTION LEAGUE

MENS PREMIER LEAGUE

CLUB LOGS

POS

TEAM

P

W

1

CRUSADERS C C 1ST

3

2

DELTA C C 1ST

3

RR

NRR

BP

PTS

3

5,64

3,29

3

15

3

3

5,18

2,46

3

15

UKZN C C 1ST

3

2

1

3,46

0,3

2

10

4

ACC 1ST

3

2

1

3,03

-0,02

2

10

5

HARLEQUINS C C 1ST

3

2

1

3,1

-0,4

1

9

6

ILEMBE C C 1ST

3

1

1

1

3,93

0,72

1

7

7

CHATSWORTH SPORTING CC 1ST

3

1

1

1

3,05

-0,74

8

CHATSWORTH UNITED C C 1ST

3

1

2

4,13

0,96

1

5

9

KCCD 1ST

3

1

2

3,13

-0,02

1

5

10

AFRICAN WARRIORS C C 1ST

3

1

2

3,73

-1,45

4

11

RHYTHM DHSOB C C 1ST

3

3

3,43

-1,92

0

12

SIMPLEX RHCC 1ST

3

3

2,24

-2,12

0

POS

TEAM

P

W

1

RAILWAYS C C 1ST

3

2

NEWLANDS C C 1ST

3

L

L

NR

D

TIED

NR

RR

NRR

BP

PTS

3

6,61

2,98

3

15

3

3

3,64

1,43

3

15

TOPHAM CRICKET CLUB 1ST

3

2

4,88

2,59

2

12

4

SOUTHERN NATAL C C 1ST

3

2

1

4,32

1,91

2

10

5

LINDELANI C C 1ST

3

2

1

3,5

1,14

2

10

6

HILLARY MALVERN C C 1ST

3

2

1

2,2

1,04

2

10

7

DAWNHEIGHTS C C 1ST

3

2

1

1,98

-0,17

2

10

8

DUT CC 1ST

3

1

9

UMZINTO C C 1ST

2

1

10

SILVER SAINTS C C 1ST

3

1

11

SPARTAN SPORTING C C 1ST

3

12

VERULAM C C 1ST

13

1

TIED

6

2 1

8 5,29

1,92

1

5

2

3,32

-4,66

4

2

1

1,64

-1,38

2

2

1

1

2,17

-1,53

2

TONGAAT C C 1ST

3

2

1

2,63

-2,08

2

14

PHOENIX C C 1ST

3

3

2,16

-1,04

0

15

UMLAZI C C 1ST

3

3

1,79

-1,57

0

16

EAST COAST C C 1ST

3

3

1,64

-4,76

0

WOMEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE WOMEN’S PROMOTION LEAGUE

POS

TEAM

P

W

1

DELTA CC LADIES 1ST

2

1

2

AFRICAN WARRIORS CC WOMEN 2ND

2

3

ASANDE CC WOMEN 1ST

4

L

RR

NRR

BP

PTS

1

6,5

4,87

1

7

1

1

5,8

2,93

1

7

2

1

1

5,08

1,81

1

7

RHYTHM DHSOB CC WOMEN 1ST

2

1

1

6

5

LINDELANI CC WOMEN 1ST

2

1

1

2

6

CHATSWORTH UNITED CC WOMEN 1ST

2

1

1

3,27

-1,81

2

7

CHATSWORTH SPORTING CC WOMEN 1ST

2

1

1

2,87

-2,93

2

8

UMLAZI CC WOMEN 1ST

2

1

1

1,63

-4,87

2

POS

TEAM

P

W

1

KCCD WOMEN 1ST

2

2

ACC WOMEN 1ST

3

D

L

NR

D

TIED

NR

RR

NRR

BP

PTS

2

4,89

3,63

2

10

2

2

6,35

2,07

2

10

CRUSADERS CC WOMEN 1ST

2

2

4,55

1,91

2

10

4

MPUMALANGA CC WOMEN 1ST

2

2

4,59

2,07

1

9

5

FAM/KWAMA CC WOMEN 1ST

2

1

5,69

3,89

1

7

6

CHESTERVILLE CC WOMEN 1ST

2

1

1

3,26

0,68

1

5

7

HAMBANATHI CC WOMEN 1ST

2

1

1

5,04

0,19

4

8

KWAMASHU CC WOMEN 1ST

2

1

1

4,4

-0,75

2

9

AFRICAN WARRIORS CC WOMEN 3RD

2

1

1

2,8

-1,91

2

10

SIMPLEX RHCC WOMEN 1ST

2

1

1

3,1

-2,53

2

11

UKZN CC WOMEN 1ST

2

1

1

0,6

-3,62

2

12

KWADABEKA CC WOMEN 1ST

2

1

1

1,6

-4,53

2

13

UMGABABA CC WOMEN 1ST

2

2

1,97

-3,49

0

14

INK 4 NTUZUMA CC WOMEN 1ST

2

2

2,7

-3,77

0

1

VETERANS LEAGUE

POS

TEAM

P

W

1

DELTA CC

1

2

HILLARY MALVERN CC

3

L

D

NR

TIED

RR

NRR

BP

PTS

1

6.13

4.6

1

5

1

1

6.48

2.88

1

5

ACC

1

1

6.85

2.62

1

5

4

CHATSWORTH SPORTING CC

1

1

7.97

2.43

1

5

5

KCCD

1

1

4.87

0.33

4

6

SIMPLEX RHCC

1

1

4.93

-0.47

4

7

DAWNHEIGHTS CC

1

1

5.07

1

0

8

TOPHAM CC

1

1

1

5.41

0.47

0

9

RHYTHM DHSOB CC

1

1

1

4.53

-0.33

0

10

HARLEQUINS CC

1

1

4.07

-1

0

11

CHATSWORTH SPORTING CC

1

1

5.53

-2.43

0

12

SILVER SAINTS CC

1

1

4.23

-2.62

0

13

EAST COAST CC

1

1

3.6

-2.88

0

14

CHATSWORTH UNITED CC

1

1

1.53

-4.6

0

15

PHOENIX CC

0

DOLPHINS SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE The DSE has hosted two tournaments within the last 2 months- the DSE U13 T20 Bash and DSE Super 8’s tournament. These tournaments both ended on a high and were enjoyed by all who participated.

DSE U13 T20 Bash The DSE U13 T20 Bash saw us host 78 players, which included players from the KZNCU Hub Development Programme, drafted into 6 teams. The tournament was held over 3 days across two venues namely Ashton International La Lucia and Umhlali Preparatory. Each team produced exciting cricket in their uniquely designed kits and particularly enjoyed playing under lights. The players enjoyed a signing session with the Hollywoodbets Dolphins team afterwards.

Hub Player of the tournament – Siyabonga Duze Batter of the tournament – Asher Hollister Bowler of the tournament – Arul Singh Player of the tournament – Conner Rowley Ambassador of the tournament – Luke Crandon

Winners – Miller Mavericks

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DSE U9 Super 8's The DSE U9 Super 8’s saw us host 80 players which were drafted into 8 teams. The tournament was open to both girls and boys. The format was a first at the DSE which saw teams of 8 players battle it out in a 16 over per side match. All involved were given equal opportunity to bat and bowl. The tournament was held over 3 days on the Hockey Astro Turf at Crawford International College. Each team had the opportunity to play fixtures under lights which was a thrilling experience for all. Each team had a unique kit of their own. Neutral umpires and scorers were present to officiate the matches.

The following awards were presented:

Batter of the tournament – Harry Wacher Bowler of the tournament – Aryan Patel Player of the tournament – Jamie Boyd Ambassador of the tournament – Sanjana Madona

Winners – Erwee Eliminators

DSE 1-on-1 coaching sessions at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium continues to grow with various coaches and players popping in to coach our cricket legends of tomorrow. These sessions not only hone players cricketing skills but also assist players in preparations for matches, tournaments, regional and national weeks.

The two DSE High Performance squads continue to meet weekly at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium.

Get in touch with us via the following details: Contact number – 0660218181 Email – dse@cricket.co.za

KFC MINI CRICKET The KZN Cricket Union have completed close to 3000 games through their KFC Mini Cricket Program this year. Which included a successfully hosted KFC Provincial Mini Cricket Festival and Seminar in September 2023.

Tp date, we have 400 active playing schools throughout the Province and the following tournaments have been hosted: KFC Mini Cricket Provincial Festival (02/09/2023) KFC Mini Cricket Provincial Seminar (22/09/2023) KFC Mini Cricket Matches – (Durban North College, Eden College, Highbury Prep, Curro Hillcrest, Toti Oval, Northlands Primary School, Scottburgh, St Bennedict, Newlands, Harlequins-Bluff, Chatsworth and INK Hubs) Future Plans KFC T20 International (SA vs India) Coaching Clinics for teachers and coaches Completion of matches from now till end of April 2024 Hosting KZNCSSA Mini Cricket Festival (March) For more information on getting actively involved with KFC Mini Cricket, please contact NduduzoN@cricket.co.za or 067 193 3346.

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VETERAN CALL UPS Charl Groenewald - South Africa O40 Age: 46

Highest representative team: Protea Vets, Dolphins Veterans Team Captain, SA Country Districts, SA Rural Highest Score: 194* Best bowling figures: 7/16 Most memorable cricketing memory: Receiving my Protea Veterans Cap What excites you the most about this selection?

The opportunity to play the highest level of cricket alongside and against some of the best cricketers around. Also, most of us have thought (for some time now) we'll be calling quits on this beautiful sport we all love so dearly and the Africa Cup and veterans cricket as a whole (VCASA) has given all of us new goals to aspire to.

What is your secret to staying match fit and motivated to strive for greater heights within the cricketing world?

It's an uphill battle and an ongoing struggle especially with my business and family commitments but a recent health scare was a real wake up call for me and that has given me the determination to plan my life better in order to improve my health drastically. I'm hoping that this achievement will inspire young cricketers at home (King Cetshwayo Cricket District) and the rest of SA's young talent to never give up on their dreams.

Do you have a message for youngsters starting their cricket careers?

Setting goals are really important in order to gauge your personal growth, but enjoying the sport you want to excel in is critically important in order to success... so enjoy the ride!

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VETERAN CALL UPS Adhir Maharaj - Africa Cup O40

Age: 47

Highest representative team: South African A Veterans Highest Score: 138 Career wickets taken: 406 Your most memorable cricketing memory?

My ultimate cricket memory has got to be my first 100 which I scored during a Challenge league match, with my dad Prem Maharaj, my batting partner.

What excites you the most about this Africa Cup? The possibility that I could fulfil my childhood dream to play for my country. I’m very grateful for this opportunity and am going to soak it up and enjoy every aspect of the tournament.

What is your secret to staying match fit and motivated to strive for greater heights within the cricketing world?

It hasn’t been easy but over the past few years I have managed to get back into the groove of cricket. I have engaged a personal trainer who has motivated me to keep getting stronger and better. I have increased my fitness levels tremendously by going to gym regularly and changing my lifestyle in little ways. Diet, better food choices and regular exercise has been key to getting myself back on track. I still have a long way to go but I’m positive that it will get better. My motivation these days has to be my 6 year old son. He has just started to learn cricket at school and keeps me going and it would be such an honor if I can be fortunate enough to play cricket with my son one day, in the same team.

A message for youngsters starting their cricket careers.

What advice would you give them?

Now is the time to make strides in your cricket career! The opportunities are limitless. As a young cricketer, this Africa Cup, has been part of my cricket dream. It took me a while to get where I am, but, the saying is true…age is but a number. It does not define you nor should it hold you back nor dictate what you do. If you can dream it, you can achieve it, it is never too late! Perseverance, determination, dedication and teamwork are the cornerstones of a good foundation. Anything is possible for those with a dream, a plan and the will to make it happen!

VETERAN CALL UPS Paul Louis - South Africa O60

Age: 61

Highest representative team: South Africa Districts Highest Score: 65 Best bowling figures: 9/6 Most memorable cricketing memory: Meeting a spectator at a match in Potchefstroom at a hospital facility who was mentally challenged we sent him a surprise package after our tournament this year at club champs.

Vivian Chamier - South Africa O60 Age: 63

Highest representative team: SA Masters Represented SA at 5 Action Cricket world cups.

Action

Cricket

My advice to young, budding cricketers: When starting your cricket journey you need to apply yourself positively and with a disciplined approach. Respect your coach and most of all enjoy the journey. Improvement will happen as you mature on your journey and you start to understand your responsibilities and how to manage them.

Staying fit is vital: I am a retired soldier. I joined the service in 1978/1979 and finished in June 2023. I was a Regimental Sergeant Major and an advanced physical training instructor so staying fit was part of my DNA and daily routine.

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