CRICKET WITH CHARACTER: U\12 Blasting Birds tournament groom young talent
As Namibia envisions the professionalization of cricket in Namibia, Africa Personnel Services (APS) invests towards cricket by developing young skill in Namibia.
Mixed-age teams competed in the four-day APS XCo U\12 Blasting Birds Cricket tournament at Wanderers Sports Grounds in Windhoek, with the action concluding on Sunday 12 May 2019. A total of 72 children between the ages of eight and 12 took part in the tournament and competition was fierce.
‘Cricket with character,’ was the backdrop of the tournament. Developing young cricketers through extensive coaching, mentoring and providing game exposure, displaying character various age group tournaments during the year.
Aidan Feely (11) from Windhoek, said his bowling and batting abilities had improved tremendously following extensive training and guidance offered by APS-facilitated coaches ahead of the tournament.
He is not the only one. Stefan du Plessis (12) from Gobabis said that participation in the U\12 Blasting Birds tournament boosted his confi dence as he accelerated to the leadership role of captain of the Dynamite Ducks team.
“The coaching and training five days a week two times every day, built up my character as well as gained new skills in teamwork and leadership,” du Plessis said.
For 12-year old Ben Brassell from Swakopmund who has been playing cricket since the age of seven, the competition has given him the motivation to be steady.
“I was also able to make friends with players from all over the country,” said Iron Owls team captain.
Brassell’s vision is to share skills gained through the Blasting tournament with other kids at school and community.
At the helm of preparation and guidance on fundamentals of cricket are the coaches.
Malan Kruger, a coach with APS Cricket supported young talent development programme, said that a fundamental element of the competition is the fellowship between different talents and character development.
“The tournament brings kids with diverse talents from all over the country and helps them recognize their potential,” said Kruger.
Walvis Bay based coach, Justus Hangula said that the competition encouraged camaraderie and fosters team spirit.
“The tournament also facilitates and accords for intergenerational skills transfer in sports,” Hangula added.
Meanwhile, at the launch of the U\12 Blasting Birds tournament held on May 8, APS managing director, Robert de Villiers said that the APS tournament aims to support
cricket in Namibia and to create opportunities for young people to gain much needed game exposure and experience on the field.
“It is the young people who will, in future, represent Namibia at international stages and games, henceforth the investment to groom young talent,” he said.
Deon Kotze, a board member at Cricket Namibia, commended APS for the investment towards cricket and the advancement of young talent.
According to Kotze, the U\12 Blasting Birds tournament helps in the development of sports and aids in the fraternity’s vision to professionalize cricket in Namibia, he said.
“The support also cements the relationship between APS and Cricket Namibia, and I hope it will grow in years to come,” Kotze said.
The final game was played on Sunday 12 May 2019 between the Dynamite Ducks and the Iron Owls, and the Dynamite Ducks won the tournament by beating the Iron Owls with 19 runs.
Final tournament award winners were as follows:
Batsman of the Tournament: Ben Brassell with 248 runs of 179 balls, hitting 26 4’s and 5 6’s.
Bowler of the Tournament: Brian M Edwards bowling 16 overs, conceding 100 runs and taking 7 wickets.
All rounder of the Tournament: Dan Brassell with 219 runs of 226 balls, hitting 14 4’s. He bowled 11 overs of which 2 were maiden overs, conceding 42 runs and taking 6 wickets.
The Character Award of the Final match went to Louis Burger.
