Kasi cricket club aims to unearth hidden talent

Cricket, once seen as an elite sport in the country, is now growing in popularity across townships and rural areas.

The creation of Braamfischerville Cricket Oval in Soweto as well as other cricket grounds in townships and rural areas shows how the game is changing in the country.

Stanley Kotelo, former all-round fielder turned cricket coach has taken over the Dobsonville Cricket Club as head coach and was in charge when the publication visited the club.

Officially formed 22 years ago, the club’s goal is to develop young black players and help them achieve a better life through their talents and also contribute to the country’s economy.

In an exclusive interview with Mapepeza, Stanley Kotelo says the club not only gives young, aspiring players a chance to show their skills but also gives them hope and determination as they chase their dreams of becoming professional cricket players.

“Since it’s humble beginnings, the game has always been inappropriately referred to the game of white people. In recent years, however, the identity of the game has begun to change as it’s popularity has spread across various communities.”

He explained that youth are talented and did not have places to show what they could offer and believes that this project is a great idea to address that.

Coach Kotelo added that he is excited about the future of female cricket players in the club.

The team plays in the Central Gauteng Lions league.

The club continues to live up to its promise of producing a new generation of world-class athletes.

Players also showed a number of impressive skills including bowling, batting, and wicketkeeping.

Cricket’s future in townships is bright, with both men and women doing well in international competitions.