DIAMANTVELD High School is gearing up to host another thrilling edition of the T20 School Cricket Festival, and this year the city of Kimberley can expect the tournament to be even more spectacular than the last.
The proud hosts of this burgeoning event will welcome cricket teams, supporters and enthusiasts from all corners of the country for the second T20 festival from October 3-6.
The excitement is palpable as 18 schools from seven different provinces prepare to showcase their talents on the pitches of Kimberley, including the renowned Kimberley Diamond Oval.
The T20 school festival has quickly become a highlight on the South African school cricket calendar. The increase in the number of participating schools – from the local teams of die Noord Kaap to those from as far afield as Boland, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga – underscores the growing popularity of this event.
Last year’s success set a high bar, but this year’s festival is poised to surpass expectations in every way.
The participation of 18 schools, up from last year’s roster, reflects the enthusiasm and competitive spirit that the event has ignited among young cricketers across the country. The teams, hailing from provinces such as Gauteng, Boland, Freestate, SWD, North West, Grens, WP, and Mpumalanga, will bring with them a diverse array of playing styles and strategies, making this festival a true celebration of school cricket in South Africa.
Beyond the cricketing action, the influx of players, coaches, supporters, and families to Kimberley will have a significant impact on the local economy.
The increase in visitor numbers is expected to provide a substantial financial boost to the town, benefiting local businesses, restaurants, and hotels. The Horseshoe Inn, where all the teams will be accommodated, will undoubtedly see a surge in activity, as will other local establishments.
Events such as this are vital for small towns like Kimberley, not only for the exposure they bring but also for the economic opportunities they create. The festival’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the organisers at Diamantveld High School, who have ensured that this event not only promotes cricket but also contributes positively to the community.
This year’s festival will feature games being played at six different venues across Kimberley, with the Kimberley Diamond Oval being the crown jewel of the venues. The Oval, known for its history and prestige, will host some of the most anticipated matches, where the young talents will have the opportunity to play on a field that has seen many legends of the game.
The participating schools represent the cream of the crop in South African school cricket. From the Northern Cape, teams include Diamantveld High School, CBC, NC HUB, and Hoërskool Kalahari.
Gauteng will be represented by Hoërskool Garsfontein, Hoërskool Monument, and Hoërskool Hans Moore. Boland’s contingent features heavyweights such as Paul Roos Gimnasium, Paarl Boys High, HTS Drostdy, and Parel Vallei High.
Other notable schools include Grey College from the Free State, Hoërskool Outeniqua from SWD, Potch Volkies and Potch Gimmies from North West, Queens College from Grens, Hoërskool Stellenberg from WP, and Hoërskool Nelspruit from Mpumalanga.
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