Blind cricketers’ sights are on World Cup glory

TEAM SA TAKE EVERY MATCH SERIOUSLY AND DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THEIR OPPONENTS. AS THE TEAM SAY: ‘WE ARE IN IT TO WIN IT’

BLIND cricketers from South Africa hope to fly the flag high at the Blind Cricket World Cup, as they take on Bangladesh in their first match today.

The team arrived in India at the weekend and have been vigorously preparing for the tournament.

The team’s manager, Philip Bam, said he was confident they would perform well today and for the rest of the tournament.

“They observed Bangladesh playing India and have a good idea of the strength of their opponents.

“The team are fit and alert and they are enthusiastic for the match against Bangladesh.”

He said while it was difficult to predict the outcome of a cricket match, he believed strongly the South African team would beat Bangladesh.

“Team SA take every match seriously and do not underestimate their opponents. As the team say: ‘We are in it to win it’.”

The tournament will be played in the T20 format. Bam said the team appreciated the honour of representing their country.

“They believe that they are setting an example to other blind people and aspiring athletes in the country.

“In spite of their visual impairment, they reached a high pinnacle in their sporting career. We would like to encourage all our youth to work hard at whatever it is they do, whether it be sports or academic pursuits, because each one has the power within themselves to reach their optimum potential. Team SA are encouraged by the goodwill shown by many people and will make South Africa proud.”

The team were awarded their national colours last week, and Blind Cricket SA president Armand Bam said: “This is a tremendous boost to visually impaired athletes, not only those who have been selected, but also to others aspiring to represent their country in international sports.

“This is but one manifestation that the sky is the limit in spite of disability. We wish the team well. We know they will make South Africa proud.

“We call on all South Africans to get behind this team and encourage them both morally and financially.” –