Moreeng can add to legacy at Proteas women
Black Lives Matter movement close to coach’s heart
As the most senior black African professional coach in the Cricket South Africa setup‚ the Black Lives Matter movement counts for reappointed Proteas women’s coach Hilton Moreeng. It wouldn’t have made sense for CSA’s director of cricket Graeme Smith not to rehire him‚ especially with the turnover in the women’s national team and the success they’ve enjoyed at international level.
In two of their past three International Cricket Council engagements, they were semifinalists – the 2017 World Cup in England and this year’s T20 World Cup in Australia. They’ve also booked their place at next year’s World Cup in New Zealand.
While Moreeng‚ who’s been rewarded with a three-year contract‚ has always had a talented team at his disposal‚ he’s personally overseen the development of the women’s team and its transformation from makeweights to genuine title contenders.
The 42-year-old understands the significance of the Black Lives Matter movement to his team. Moreeng‚ who played first-class cricket for Free State‚ has a majority black coaching staff consisting of manager Sedibu Mohlaba‚ strength and conditioning coach Zane Webster‚ team doctor Tshegofatso Gaetsewe and Molebatsi Theletsane
“I didn’t even know that I’m the most senior black African coach in the system. It’s not something I look at when I work. When you get an opportunity‚ you try to make the most of it. There are young coaches that we share experiences with‚ but it’s about making sure of making the best of the opportunities.
“Where I am now‚ it’s also about helping young coaches to aspire to their goals and to be where you are. It’s not an easy journey and it requires dedication‚” Moreeng said
“The team is currently training individually. Once we get together as a team‚ that’s [the Black Lives Matter movement] something we’ll sit down and discuss. It’s something that we take seriously‚ especially here in South Africa.”
Smith said they’ve been aware of what has been taking place in the world with regards to the Black Lives Matter movement‚ but whether they’ll be able to do something for the movement in next week’s 3Team Cricket Solidarity Cup fixture in Centurion will remain to be seen.
“We are aware of what’s going on around the world. Lungi Ngidi answered it very well this week when he said we’re all in our own little pockets‚” he said.
“It’s very important that we come together when we’re together and figure out what we can do in the Black Lives Matter movement.”