Steve Palframan: Vineyard Oval upgrades very much a win-win for WPCC and WPCA

The Western Province Cricket Association and Western Province Cricket Club have announced a strategic partnership.

The WPCA and WPCC will develop a centre of excellence at the Vineyard Oval in Claremont, Cape Town.

“This facility will serve as a home away from home for the Western Province men’s and women’s teams – as well as the WPCA high-performance programme,” read a statement from the WPCA.

“As part of the initiative, WPCA will make a substantial financial and operational investment to upgrade and maintain the existing Vineyard Oval facilities.

“Key improvements will include upgrades to the middle wicket, practice nets and the outfield. Once completed, the facility will boast a total of 25 strips to accommodate increased demand for training and matches.

“The plan is to create a world-class home for our professional teams, including enhancements to the current Vineyard Oval clubhouse, ensuring the venue meets the standards of a world-class centre of excellence.

“Through this partnership, WPCC will significantly enhance its offerings to members through the upgraded facilities. The club will continue to host certain fixtures at the oval, maintaining its long-standing tradition of cricket at this iconic venue.”

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Vineyard Oval.

WPCA take over operational maintenance at Vineyard Oval

WPCA chief executive officer Corrie van Zyl added: “We are extremely excited to have gone into a partnership with WPCC, to transform the Vineyard Oval into the Western Province Cricket Centre of Excellence.

“This project represents a major investment in the redevelopment of the wickets and nets, ensuring they meet the standards required for our professional teams and MI Cape Town to train and prepare effectively at this facility going forward.

“WPCA will take over the operational maintenance and preparation of the facility, and we are particularly excited about the potential upgrades to the clubhouse. This will create a true home away from home for our teams, enabling them to perform at their best.”

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WPCC have been primary custodian of Vineyard Oval since late 1990s

WPCC chairman Steve Palframan added: “WPCC have been the primary custodian and user of the Vineyard Oval since the late 1990s. It is a very special ground indeed – intimate, with a beautiful backdrop of the mountain, and located in the heart of the Claremont central business district.

“Over the years, our members and visiting opposition have made many wonderful memories on the pitch, in the clubhouse and around the braai area.

“While WPCA has long utilised the facility for its colts and women’s teams during the week, this partnership take our collaboration to a new level. Our members look forward to the prospects and benefits that the development of the ground will bring – both in terms of practice and playing facilities and enhanced player comforts off the field.

“These upgrades are very much a win-win for WPCC, WPCA and the MI Cape Town franchise and we look forward to many more memorable seasons at the Vineyard Oval.”

WPCA take over operational maintenance at Vineyard Oval

WPCC have been primary custodian of Vineyard Oval since late 1990s

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