Proteas all-rounder Wiaan Mulder reflects on his school cricket journey, emphasizing the valuable life lessons he learned from the game
Image: supplied
As the inaugural Schools SA20 National Finals continue in Pretoria, South African cricket stars have taken a moment to reflect on how school cricket played a crucial role in shaping their careers.
The tournament, which runs from March 12 to March 15 at Tuks, showcases the best young talent in the country, providing a platform for future Proteas stars to shine.
School cricket has long been a vital part of the Cricket South Africa (CSA) pipeline, producing some of the country’s top cricketers, over the years. The tournament brings together elite boys' and girls' teams, each competing for top honors in what promises to be a thrilling week of action.
For many professional cricketers, their journey began on school fields, where they first learned the values of teamwork, perseverance, and hard work. Among them is Proteas fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, who credited school cricket for laying the foundation of his career.
Proteas speedster Lungi Ngidi takes a wonder catch in the Champions Trophy Group B match against England.
Image: Asif Hassan / AFP
"Playing cricket at school was where it all started for me," Ngidi said. "It was an incredible experience that taught me the value of hard work, teamwork, and perseverance. I'm excited to see the next generation of cricketers in action at the Schools SA20."
Proteas Women’s captain Laura Wolvaardt also reflected on her school cricket days, recalling how she often played with boys and developed her skills during break times.
"I loved taking part in school cricket. I spent a lot of time playing with the boys, but it really helped my development. We would spend every break time playing, either with a mini bat and tennis ball. Those are definitely some of my fondest memories."
Laura Wolvaardt
Image: File
Not all players had access to structured school tournaments, but they still found ways to grow in the sport. Proteas Women’s wicketkeeper-batter Sinalo Jafta shared her experience of playing in provincial weeks instead.
"Growing up, we didn’t have schools’ cricket, but I was fortunate to participate in provincial weeks, which took place every December. These tournaments provided a platform for young players like myself to showcase our talents alongside future stars like Annecke Bosch, Ayabonga Khaka, and Zintle Mali, who now represents the Springbok women's sevens and 15s teams. We were encouraged to play without pressure and simply enjoy the experience. Those provincial weeks were instrumental in shaping my early cricket career, and provided valuable lessons that have stayed with me to this day."
Proteas all-rounder Wiaan Mulder echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing how school tournaments helped him deal with pressure and develop leadership skills.
"Participating in schools' T20 weeks was an invaluable experience that taught me how to manage pressure and anxiety in a team environment. It also showed me the importance of treating people with respect and creating a positive team culture."
The tournament is about more than just competition, it's also a celebration of young talent. The winning teams will be awarded special handmade trophies designed by Gqeberha-based sculptor Sarah Walmsley. Aside from the trophy, the champions will receive a bursary from SA20 and SACA, facilities upgrades from Cricket South Africa, and a sports gear voucher from Sedgars Sport.
The first round of matches begins at 14h00 today, with some thrilling encounters lined up:
Northwood School (Durban) vs. St Andrews School (Bloemfontein)
St David’s Marist Inanda (Johannesburg) vs. CSA Hub XI
Graeme College (Grahamstown) vs. Hoërskool Garsfontein (Pretoria)
Fans can catch all the action live on SuperSport Schools app, DStv Channel 216, and SABC Plus. The girls' final on March 15 will also be broadcast on DStv Channel 209.
Boys Teams
POOL A: Northwood School (KwaZulu-Natal), St Andrew’s School Bloemfontein (Central), Hoërskool Garsfontein (Gauteng North), Graeme College (Focus School).
POOL B: Pearson High School (Eastern Cape), Bishops Diocesan College (Western Cape), St David's Marist Inanda (Gauteng South), CSA Hubs Invitational XI.
Girls Teams
POOL A: Dr JL Dube High School (KwaZulu-Natal), Saints Christian School (Central), Nkowankowa Hub (Gauteng North).
POOL B: Nomandi Junior Secondary School (Eastern Cape), Victoria Hub (Western Cape), Steyn City School (Gauteng South).
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