Cricket club revival to focus on juniors
ADMINISTRATORS at Chatsworth United are on a mission to rebuild the cricket club. It has been a difficult few years for the oldest club in the region after their Premier League outfit was relegated in 2016.
With 56 years of unbroken commitment to the sport, the club has now opted to realign its focus.
The board has decided to place greater emphasis on their junior structures, through a free-structured training programme at the Chatsworth Oval every Saturday.
Club president, Mike Govender admits the club had neglected to grow their talent pool in recent years.
“I think we concentrated too much on the Premier League team and did not give enough time to our development structures. Now there is a shift in our focus, something we are very happy about,” he said.
To assist their coaching programme, the club has roped in former international all-rounder Dinesha Devnarain as well as Dolphins stars, Cody Chetty and Senuran Muthusamy.
“We are really grateful to have these players come onboard and assist with coaching when they are available.
They have a lot to offer and our kids will benefit from their skills and top experience,” Govender said.
The club executive has secured sponsorship from Durban-based businesses, KZN Oils, Global Labels & Trims and Highway Body Shop.
They have also committed their entire grants from the Kwazulu-natal Cricket Union and Durban and District Cricket Union towards development and coaching.
“It means that our junior players will not be charged a single cent for the training programme or to play competitive cricket,” Govender explained.
“We are also purchasing equipment, so players who do not have their own will still have a chance to play the game.”
Devnarain, who has over 70 international caps to her name and is one of only eight females with a CSA Level 3 licence in the country, will focus specifically on the women’s team.
“To grow the game is massive. It has been diminishing in our community and I am so happy that Chatsworth United is coming back onboard. I will give as much of my time as I can,” Devnarain said.
The 29-year-old is the head coach of the KZN Senior Women’s team as well as the provincial under-19 outfit. She began her career at United as a junior in the late ’90s.
“I am glad that people want to revive the club and produce cricketers. Chatsworth is a massive community and I am honoured to be part of this and help the club be what is was before.”