The Eastern Cape Sports Department has partnered with former South African cricketer Makhaya Ntini to develop young cricketers in the province. MEC Fezeka Nkomonye made the announcement following a series of engagements with Ntini.
She says this will be done through the revival of Makhaya Ntini’s cricket academy. The academy was established 12 years ago, but struggled to get off the ground due to lack of support.
Nkomonye says engagements with other stakeholders are at an advanced stage.
“We will knock in all the doors ensuring that come next year at least around this time there is something happening towards the direction of the start of the academy. I have already started an engagement with national minister so that in terms of prioritising our funds, we then look for allocation towards this. We are also going to engage Cricket South Africa particularly the region, we are going to work as stakeholders.”
Ntini says he is delighted and looking forward to the new possibilities.
“When you hear good news, some of us start sweating because the brain starts working extra hard and thinking ahead. When you have things you plan for your life, things that could have been done a long time ago…when all those things come back, it really gives hope that your dreams can come true. It does not matter how long you have to wait.”
Racism in cricket
Last week, the cricketer opened up about his loneliness while he was playing for the Proteas. In an interview that followed a debate about racism in the sport, Ntini said when he left Cricket South Africa did not host an official retirement celebration for him.
He said there should be more players of colour in the SA cricket team.
Below is the full interview:
