Picture: DESMOND COETZEE
The King William’s Town Cricket Academy has ended its season on a high with a closing function held at Central Primary School at the weekend.
Some of the activities included the issuing of certificates to players, along with a donation of vests and hats for all players from SGT Construction. Founding member and coach Mandla Bontsi explained to the audience why he decided to start the academy.
Department of social development MEC Siphokazi Lusiti assisted with the presentation of certificates.
During his speech, Bontsi said it was frustrating for him as a cricket player and coach at the school to see that his players are not able to fully reach the levels he believes they are capable of. “One hour of practising at school was just not enough, so I decided to start the academy.
“I shared the idea with Border Cricket player Papama Fojela, who is also staying in my village at Masingata, and he immediately agreed to come on board to help.
“We started with 10 boys and after sharing the idea on the parents’ WhatsApp group, the numbers increased to the 31 players we have today.”
Bontsi took the opportunity to thank the parents for their involvement, as well as the local Shoprite branch for their sponsorship of golf shirts and caps in September.
Lusiti commended the programme as it encouraged children and helped push them in the right direction.
