In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering talent and holistic development, Northwest Cricket announces the launch of the African Talent Camp. Set against the backdrop of the winter season, this camp is poised to equip identified players with the skills and motivation needed in the upcoming C.S.A summer tournament.
The Camps are slated to take place in May to August 2024. This program will serve as a vital preparatory platform for the selected or identified players offering intensive training sessions, mentorship opportunities and invaluable insight from seasoned cricket professionals. More than honing cricket skills, the program aims to inspire and empower the young Cricketers between the ages of 16 and 19 years old on their academics and cultural lives.
“Our mission extends beyond the cricket field.” Says Kenneth Masinga (Youth & Schools Coordinator at North West Cricket). Mr Masinga continues to express that; “At North West cricket we believe in nurturing talent, instilling confidence and fostering a sense of purpose amongst our African players.”
“As stewards of North-West Cricket, our commitment to excellence drives initiatives like the African Camp. By engaging elite coaches with a proven track record, we aim to elevate our players’ skills, mindset, and connections in the cricketing world. Our ultimate goal is to cultivate a pathway for our talented athletes to shine on national stages, bolstering the diversity and strength of North-West Cricket and hopefully meeting the cricket needs in the country.” – Solomon Meki, CSM – NWC
This camp will speak to Cricket South Africa’s Vision 2025 and will focus on how to win Under 19 World Cups. The camp will feature workshops and seminars addressing crucial aspects such as leadership, teamwork, anti-doping, and the mental aspect of the game. By emphasizing the correlation between sporting excellence and personal growth, NWC hopes to motivate our youngsters to excel not only in cricket as formidable athletes but also as role models and leaders in their communities.
“The North West Department of Arts, Culture, Sports, and Recreation in partnership with North West Academy of Sports is happy to collaborate with North West Cricket in the massive programme for talent identification, nurturing and support in rural parts of the province. The department will ensure that the necessary resources are invested in ensuring that the programme becomes a success, and that young people get exposure in playing cricket with Provincial colours.” Says George Marindi of the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports, and Recreation in the NW Province.
Mr Marindi went on further to say “We welcome the initiative by the cricket federation and the sports academy. Athlete development is the initiative of Federations and as the department we have an obligation to support such development. Cricket has proven over years to spearhead the development in rural areas, and we will ensure that this time, the programme becomes sustainable. Hon MEC Mosenogi has on numerous occasions made a call for athlete development, so such initiative is positively responding to such a call.”
“Northwest Cricket extends its gratitude to the NORTHWEST ACADEMY OF SPORTS for their generous support in making this initiative a reality. Together, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of cricketing talent and fostering a culture of excellence and empowerment”, says North West Cricket CEO, Ismail Minty.
