Hubs project sets up Grey-Gelvandale match

CRICKET South Africa’s Hubs and Regional Performance Centres (RPC) initiative has organised a friendly match which will see a Grey High U15 side take to the crease against Gelvandale U15 in a 35-over match.

The match will start at 11am on Saturday and will be played at the Gelvandale Grounds.

The overhauled Hubs RPC programme officially started in 2014 with the objective of enhancing and developing young cricketers in disadvantaged areas.

The various hubs use a rigid criteria on running a strict talent identification from a minimum of 40 players pertaining to natural flair and the execution of basic batting, bowling and fielding during provincial KFC Mini-Cricket festivals.

Cricket SA participation manager and Hubs coordinator David Mokopanele said: “The programme is aimed at broadening the game of cricket among the impoverished communities.

“We specifically want to work hand in hand with bringing quality African cricketers who will contribute positively towards the Cricket South Africa pipeline of bringing forth transformation and social cohesion.

“This programme has demonstrated tangible results of an increased awareness and participation in the cricket sport in South African townships,” he said.

“It is a project that aims to leave a lasting legacy and demonstrate difference to the lives of the community with which it has engaged.

“Having players representing both the Warriors and SA U19 [against Sri Lanka] teams, the Hubs programme has proven the necessity and importance of identifying and nurturing talent.”

The programme is looking to identify 30 best-performing hubs in the country and introduce them to high-performance programmes.