Langa’s Cricket Club’s crop of youngsters had a tough time going up against Hanover Park, in a Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) First Division 1C one-day match, at Langa Oval at the weekend.
Their big-hitting neighbours have been on a roll this season with 16 wins on the trot but were made to sweat in the early morning sun hovering over the Langa sports complex.
Hanover Park went in to bat first and, after dropping a few wickets early on, the partnership between Saliem Toefy (96) and Moegsoen Hassan (64) helped steer the visitors to a total of 279/10 after 46 overs. In reply, the homeside were restricted to 87/10 after 30 overs.
Despite the loss, the third in three outings, Langa coach Anam Mde is confident his young side will bounce back. The club has embarked on a process of rebuilding and regaining its former glory years after a period of internal disputes and suspension earlier this year.
“The aim going into the season was to simultaneously play our matches and build a competitive spirit while also focusing entirely on rebuilding the club’s players’ roster,” he said.
“Right now it is about fielding matches, building momentum and establishing a performance driven and intentional participation player culture,” he said.
A club with a rich history, which includes luminaries such as Temba Bavuma, the first black captain of the national cricket team, the Proteas, and former SA wicket keeper Thami Tsolekile, who was also a prolific hockey player. The aim is now to look to the future and unearth more gems.
“We’ve noticed the development among players who may just close the season on a positive for the club, but I think this question we can revisit next year,” said Mde when asked who the current big hitters and wicket takers are.
“ he youth cricket front is the dominating contributor to our senior teams. I’m amazed at how resilient the youngsters perform at senior level and hope that this strengthens their sense of hunger to perform or fully determine their cricket as a fully fledged career prospect. Hopefully they end up in provincial structures in the coming years,” he said.
He said the club is also paying close attention to the development of the women’s game, saying they hosted a successful women’s Imbokodo Cup tournament in August and aim to make it an annual event, hoping that more clubs would attend.
“This year it was between Langa, Gugulethu and Khayelitsha cricket clubs. We are dedicated to women’s cricket development and actively take opportunities to uplift the girls cricket division as often as we take up the flagship male cricket development.
Langa is scheduled to play an away fixture against neighbours Bonteheuwel on Saturday but the venue must still be decided.
“It’s an away game for us but we will perhaps end up hosting it here at Langa. We are in discussion to host some of the Bonteheuwel matches here while they work out their home ground developments,” he said.
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