A local blind cricket team is preparing to compete in the upcoming national championship in Stellenbosch.
From a fledgling team formed just two years ago to national championship contenders, the Eastern Province blind cricket squad has defied expectations. However, without kits to play in the tournament and funds to get to Cape Town, the team has reached out for assistance.
The Eastern Province blind cricket team will participate in the Blind Cricket South Africa (BCSA) T20 National Tournament from 5 to 9 October, where provincial teams will compete for the national title.
The tournament promises to be a competitive showcase of adapted cricket, with teams from across South Africa’s nine provinces plus additional regional representation competing for the national championship in Stellenbosch.
Mziwandile Mshweshwe, who serves as coordinator on the board of Eastern Province blind cricket, explained that the team is currently based in Gqeberha and caters for players throughout the Eastern Province region.
The most significant rule modification in blind cricket involves bowling technique, with the ball delivered underarm rather than overarm as in conventional cricket.
“It’s about the adrenaline rush,” Mshweshwe explained. “Every player has feelings about what makes them happy in playing the sport. We love the fact that it’s adapted towards blind and visually impaired people.”
The sport has been gaining momentum in South Africa, with the national tournament providing a platform for provincial teams to showcase their talents and compete at the highest domestic level.
The Eastern Province team’s participation in the tournament represents an important milestone for cricket development in the region, particularly for players with visual impairments who have historically had limited opportunities to compete in organised sport.
To be able to participate in the tournament, however, the team needs to raise enough funds for kits and transport funds.
“We are currently pleading with the public to lend a helping hand,” said Mshweshwe.
The team requires transportation from Gqeberha to Stellenbosch for the tournament duration, specifically from 6-9 October, as well as playing kits for their 19-player squad.
Whilst accommodation and catering costs will be covered by Blind Cricket South Africa, the provincial team must fund their own travel and equipment expenses.
Did you know?
Blind cricket follows similar rules to mainstream cricket but with several adaptations to accommodate blind and visually impaired players. Teams consist of eleven players who are categorised according to their level of vision:
– B1: Totally blind
– B2: Visually impaired
– B3: Limited vision
For more information on how to support the team’s tournament preparations, contact Zola Daniels on 076 115 5776 / 075 464 9692 or via Email: zolawiseman.daniels@mandela.ac.za
