Cricket has hit Soweto for a six. Not yet as popular as soccer, but it is fast catching on.

"I like cricket more than soccer," says Lerato Monareng (13) of Rockville, who has been playing cricket since 1995. His passion for the game was fuelled further when South African cricket captain Hansie Cronje visited their school last year. Now Lerato plays for his school team every Wednesday and Saturday.

Soweto Cricket Club chairman Reuben Tseladimitlwa explains why youngsters have been bowled over by the game. "Our development programme runs throughout the year, despite cricket being a summer sport," he says.

Another thing motivating them to take up the sport is that gifted players are awarded bursaries to study at traditionally strong cricket schools such as St Stithians, King Edward and Parktown Boys.

Also, the Soweto Cricket Club is on the verge of playing in the Premier League, thereby making the players eligible for selection to the provincial team. At present, the Soweto Cricket Club has five teams ranging from under-11 to under-19 age groups. They practise daily at Soweto's only oval, in Rockville. About 30 school teams compete in various leagues, mostly with suburban schools.

At this rate, it is only a matter of time before the township produces its own Viv Richards or Brain Lara.

Source: The Star Newspaper

Date-stamped : 20 Jun97 - 01:05