St David’s Marist Inanda renamed the McGregor Oval this week. The field has been renamed the Temba Bavuma Oval.
Bavuma, who is South Africa’s Test and ODI captain attended St David’s Marist Inanda in Johannesburg from 2005 to 2008.
“Being honoured in this way by St David’s, a place that shaped so much of who I am, is truly special,” said Bavuma.
“As an old boy, I have incredible memories of my time here. This is where my love for the game was nurtured, where I learned humility, discipline and the value of resilience.
“Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my journey, from school cricket to leading the Proteas.
“Having the cricket field renamed the Temba Bavuma Oval is a privilege beyond words. More than just a name, I hope it stands as a symbol for every young cricketer who dreams of making it to the top.
“I am deeply grateful to St David’s for this incredible gesture and for continuing to invest in the future of the sport.”
Bavuma has played 63 Tests, 48 ODIs and 36 T20Is since debuting in international cricket in 2014.
“Temba joined the Marist family in 2005 and played cricket for our A teams from the outset. He matriculated in 2008, but his involvement with St David’s did not end there,” read a statement from St Davids Marist Inanda.
“In 2016, the Temba Bavuma Foundation was established to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds through education and the sport of cricket.
“The foundation provides financial support through scholarships, as well as facilitating cricket clinics for young cricketers and upgrading cricket facilities in townships. In 2020, the St David’s Marist Inanda Foundation partnered with the Temba Bavuma Foundation in funding a sponsorship for one of our student’s school career at St David’s.”
Temba Bavuma Oval.
Wynberg Boys’ High School named the main cricket field after former Proteas all-rounder Jacques Kallis in 2009. The venue is called the Jacques Kallis Oval.