Upright Van der Bijl in place to hit Zim cricket for a six
● Vince van der Bijl is the most upright man in cricket, a properly conscious figure in a sport that too often struggles to do the right thing.
So why has he signed up as a consultant for the chronically uncredible Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC), which crashes from doing one wrong thing through a string of others?
“I believe sport changes and energises people, even societies,” Van der Bijl replied. “As Mandela said, sport reaches people in a way that politicians cannot.
“Anyone who has been to Zimbabwe will know how easy it is to be enchanted with the character and friendliness of its people and see the magnificence and amazing potential of this country. That combination needs to be nurtured in every way possible even though cricket there has been through such a difficult time.
“How can you turn your back when you are asked to assist? It is a privilege to try and help. It will be a tough road for ZC but so worthwhile for all involved — hopefully with the support and investment of all around the game from individuals, players, and all the way to the International Cricket Council and government, ZC and the cricket lovers in Zimbabwe can turn this around to former glory. What a thing that will be.
“Cricket has a rich cricket heritage here and that is something the cricket world should savour and refresh. The sports project I’m involved in, in Masiphumelele, an impoverished township in Cape Town near Kommetjie, has taught me what’s possible. Sport genuinely changes lives.
“Naturally, as a consultant, I really hope I can make a difference. It will not be for want of trying.
“The World Cup qualifiers, so successfully run in Harare this year, revealed the passion the fans, players, administration and everyone involved in staging this event have for cricket and that they have that deep desire to make the difference. That is what makes the future of the game in Zimbabwe sustainable.”
That’s the third version of Van der Bijl’s answer. Twice he came back to build on the original, both times well outside of business hours.
Van der Bijl thinks in his sleep, does what he says he will do, and is afraid of nothing and no one.
Not only do ZC have a man of cricket on their hands, they have a zealot. The gods help them.
It’s a privilege to help. It will be a tough road... but ZC and the cricket lovers in Zim can turn this around to former glory. What a thing that will be Vince van der Bijl