Madibaz 1 team off to great start
THE Mecer Madibaz 1 premier league cricket team have set themselves up for another good season after winning the T20 Mayoral Cup title against Old Grey last weekend.
Under coach Corbyn Dolley, Madibaz 1 are aiming to retain the Nelson Mandela Bay premier league title as well as targeting a strong performance in the University Sport South Africa (USSA) week.
At the start of the season, Madibaz players formed the bulk of the Eastern Province side which took the title in the Africa Cup T20 competition.
Dolley described that triumph as a monumental effort and said the region could not have asked for a better start to the season.
“It’s been a while since EP or the Warriors have managed to win a trophy in a national competition so it speaks volumes for the group of cricketers who were part of that squad.”
The Madibaz coach said that sort of success could rub off on the club’s performances in various competitions.
“From a Madibaz point of view, it’s no secret we haven’t produced the goods as far as silverware is concerned in recent times.
“Success in a tournament of this nature further enhances the club’s culture and commitment to achieve excellence on both a local and national level.”
Dolley joined the Madibaz towards the end of last year as an assistant coach, with the aim to ensure they continue to make an impact in South African cricket.
“We want the club to remain one of the leading cricket inT20 stitutions and a beacon for cricket, in the Eastern Cape and South Africa,” he said.
A provincial allrounder in his day, he is keen to make things work at NMMU, having come through the varsity system.
He said they were blessed with a promising group of cricketers, which would ensure that competition within the club remained healthy.
“I must commend the guys for their fantastic attitude and commitment, despite all the uncertainty and disruption.”
Madibaz confirmed their potential against Old Grey in the final on Sunday when they dismissed their opponents for 98, with Brad Haller, Stefan Tait and Odwa Xonxa each taking two wickets.
Vian Maritz (24) and Lloyd Brown (36 not out) then shrugged off the loss of an early wicket to ensure a comfortable win for the students.
ý SUPERSPAR Despatch will be chasing a rare double over Madibaz 1 when they host them in the NMB premier league this weekend.
Despatch beat the eventual champions in the T20 Mayoral Cup last weekend and will aim to repeat that tomorrow.
The NMB premier league fixtures for this weekend are: Tomorrow: SuperSpar Despatch v Mecer Madibaz 1 Sunday: Motherwell v PECC, Seaman’s Renault Old Grey v EMediaIT Heatherbank, Northville v United Brothers, Schauderville v Jendamark United, Buco Uitenhage v SA Home Loans Union, Gelvandale v Despatch
‘ We want the club to remain one of the leading cricket institutions