The United Cricket
Board of South Africa has always held the development of the game of cricket in
disadvantaged areas as one of its highest priorities. The reasons for this are
twofold. Firstly, and most importantly, we wished to ensure that as many people as
possible, especially the disadvantaged, had the opportunity to enjoy this game
that we all love so much. Secondly, we firmly believe that the wider the base of
the game, the better and stronger the game will become at senior competitive and
international level.
When faced with the prospect of taking cricket into the
disadvantaged areas of South Africa, the lack of facilities, coaches and even a
culture of cricket, provided the most daunting of challenges.
There is no doubt
that the establishment of a Joint Development Programme between SACB and SACU,
announced by both presidents in Harare during the crucial meeting in 1990 of South
Africa's leading administrators, sowed the seeds to overcome the complacency
caused by the Gatting tour.
We are proud to say, in the space of just a few short
years, the development programme has brought cricket to every corner of South
Africa. The growth of interest in the game is nothing short of astonishing.
The structured approach of the United Cricket Board in terms of the development of
facilities, the training of coaches and the development of skills in a
multi-tiered process, has come to be seen as one of the finest development
programmes of its kind in the world. This could not have been achieved without the
dedication and commitment of a fine team of people, and in this regard I wish to
thank the UCB Executive, its Managing Director, Dr Ali Bacher, the Directors of
Coaching and Development, Mr Khaya Majola, Mr Hoosain Ayob and the rest of his
team. Finally, no praise could be too high for our sponsors, who have committed
themselves towards our common goal, and without whom little would have been
achieved.
There is still much to be done, but the foundation for a positive future
for South African cricket has been laid. We shall continue to build on it.
Mr Krish Mackerdhuj
President of the United Cricket Board of South Africa
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