South African cricket captain Temba Bavuma was on hand as a new cricket training centre was opened in Berseba in the North West this week.
The centre – a joint venture between Glencore Ferroalloys and Cricket South Africa (CSA), in partnership with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) - will give over 200 young people access to training, employment and opportunities to excel in sports-based education.
Beneficiaries from Bethanie, Modikwe, Berseba and Makolokwe will receive training in cricket administration, umpiring, scoring, coaching and leadership equipping them with valuable skills to enhance their employability at the end of the programme.
The day was filled with high energy and excitement from beneficiaries as they took to the field. Their enthusiasm grew even more with the presence of captain Bavuma, who joined in the celebration and personally helped hand out certificates to the participants.
For many, it was an inspiring first experience of meeting and engaging with a professional cricket player.
Cricket South Africa CEO Pholetsi Moseki noted that the success of the launch was made possible through collaboration between people, government and organisations, adding that even more can be achieved when such partnerships are sustained.
As part of the initiative, CSA has established a cricket hub at the multi-purpose facility built by Glencore, providing beneficiaries with the opportunity to participate in and learn the sport.
“Today, we celebrate a new chapter in that journey. Our partnership with the National Youth Services and Cricket South Africa brings world-class support, skills, and mentorship to rural communities and this is just the beginning. We envision extending this initiative to every rural community where Glencore operates in South Africa,” said Japie Fullard, CEO of Glencore Ferroalloys.