The talented Kholekile Matikinca has been unveiled as Langa Cricket Club’s player-coach, ahead of the 2017-18 Western Province Cricket Association season.
Matikinca’s appointment will embody a partnership between the Gary Kirsten Foundation and Langa Cricket Club, who have been elevated to the premier league.
Earlier this year, the WPCA local leagues committee’s recommendations – largely governed by Cricket South Africa’s transformation objectives – urged that a so-called ‘black African’ club join Brackenfell Cricket Club – and the 10 others – in the premier league.
Brackenfell Cricket Club had left the Boland Cricket Board for the Western Province Cricket Association in order to comply with the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee’s geo-political boundaries.
“The project got underway a few weeks ago with Gary Kirsten, Kholekile and myself running coaching sessions twice a week in the evenings,” said Gary Kirsten Cricket coaching director and former Western Province Cricket Club seamer Ryan Van Niekerk.
“We’re really excited for the club, as this is a great opportunity for the players to be exposed to the best club cricket available. We’ve been working informally with Langa Cricket Club for several years now – and would like them to be equipped with the relevant skills to do well.
“There has been a fantastic energy around the club – and the players have stepped up their preparations for the season. They’re all training really hard to ensure they are able to take their game to the next level.”
Langa Cricket Club’s 2017-18 premier league campaign will get underway against the University of the Western Cape Cricket Club on 21 and 28 October. This will be followed by a taxing away fixture against fellow premier league newcomers Milnerton Cricket Club.