Message from DR Ali Bacher

• broadening the base of cricket in all communities
• providing new opportunities for the underprivileged
• redressing the imbalances of the past
• making South Africa the world's top cricket nation.

A development structure has been set in place, with 11 full-time development officers under the direction of Khaya Majola and Hoosain Ayob, who in turn report to the UCB Managing Director. This structure is designed to attract youngsters - both boys and girls - into cricket, and to ensure the progress of the talented and committed into representative cricket at all levels.

Funds to achieve this are raised from the private sector, and in addition a 20 percent levy is placed on all international matches played in South Africa. The annual development fund averages R6-million and is spent on the provision of coaching, equipment, transport and facilities. Each province is allocated an annual budget, depending on specific needs and proven track records, and this in turn is given to regions within the province so that management and controls are effected at grass roots by the people.

The programme is very people-intensive, and the key to its success lies with school teachers and those full-time on the ground. Fortunately, the UCB has been blessed with hundreds of people whose hearts are totally in the programme, and this is vital if the harsh challenges are to be met in many communities struggling to overcome years of deprivation.

This has also been true of the UCB's development sponsors, who have not only put meaningful money into the programme, but also their hearts and souls.

Another critical element in the UCB's development programme is the provision of facilities, which will be outlined fully in this publication. At present 11 multi-purpose sports centres have been erected under the initiative of the UCB.

The UCB's cricket development programme is now firmly established, and there are thousands of new young players from all communities in the game, and all national junior teams have players, on merit, from the disadvantaged areas of South Africa. We are, however, deeply conscious that there is much to be done and that cricket still does not fully match the demographics of South Africa. This does not mean that our will has been diminished, nor our bright dream dimmed. We are heartily encouraged by the massive and growing support for cricket amongst all communities in South Africa, and are most grateful to all those who have made it possible.

Dr Ali Bacher
Managing Director, United Cricket Board of South Africa