The Young Warriors Cricket Programme initiative in Makhanda has brought the game of cricket to under-resourced schools, where previously, there was no opportunity for students to learn and play the sport. 

When the programme was introduced in three schools in the Currie Street area in 2023, it quickly became apparent that there was a lack of physical education in accordance with the curriculum, largely due to inadequate equipment and under qualified staff. The programme began by using minimal resources, initially focusing on indigenous games and gradually incorporating cricket. This involved identifying talent, and teaching the nuances of the game.

“My role in the programme has been multifaceted, involving coaching and helping to bridge the gap in physical education,” says Noel Reddy, coordinator of Community Engagement initiatives in the Rhodes University Human Kinetics and Ergonomics Department. 

“The experience has been overwhelmingly positive, despite the challenges of managing large groups of kids and instilling a new culture of cricket in schools where the sport was previously unknown. Remarkably, the teams have performed well, winning more games than they lost, and we have even identified talented individuals, including three girls from two schools, who have been included in the last match of the season with the boys. This has opened up discussions about potential scholarships, with two boys already taken by Graeme for rugby, and a particularly talented girl catching attention.”

The initiative is a collaboration between HKE and Rhodes University Community Engagement, the Gary Kirsten Foundation, Grahamstown Primary, George Dickerson Primary and St. Mary’s Primary, as well as Kingswood College. Kingswood College has been an integral partner in this journey, with Head of Sport Murraygr Ranger and Head of Cricket Andrew Birch providing invaluable support. 

The programme adopts a holistic approach to sports development that also includes opportunities for the coaching staff involved. Through the Gary Kirsten Foundation, the coaches have gained cricket certifications, with coaches already being certified or in the process of certification. 

These coaches may not realise it right now, but by doing little things, they take giant steps in the improvement of the sport which they're coaching and ultimately, making a great difference in the lives of their students.

The Young Warriors program has enabled me to grow and learn a lot of new skills and I am proud to have been a part of it,” says Mr Lucien Bartis, Principal Grahamstown Primary.

For Mr Reddy, one of the most rewarding aspects of being part of this program has been watching the learners' progress and how they’ve formed a cohesive team. “Our proudest moment was winning the first game against Kingswood with hand-me-down equipment,” he reflects. 

??“My standout moment was our first game for the u13s, when the boys won against Kingswood College u13 B team,” says Sachen Koeberg, a YWCP Coach. In that match, one of the boys hit a massive six while I was the umpire, and when he hit the ball, it travelled over the rope. The youngster couldn't contain his excitement and jumped and screamed as if we just got a century. For me, it was something to behold. If I look back on it, it makes me quite proud and feel good about what we've been doing the last couple of months.”

Soon, the young athletes will have the opportunity to be promoted or earn scholarships, competing at a larger scale and representing the province in key events.