Celebrating the heroes of Kimberley cricket: legends and teams recognised

The Kimberley Sporting Legends Trust recently held a special celebration aimed at honouring the province’s rich cricketing history and the players who helped shape it. 

Chairperson of the Trust, Godfrey Erlank, explained what the weekend was all about, saying, “This event is about recognising the extraordinary contributions of individuals who built the game of cricket in this province.” 

In that spirit, after months of preparation, this past weekend saw individuals and groups being honoured in the grand finale of the evening at a gala event held at Elizabeth Conradie School in Kimberley. 

The weekend had kicked off on Friday with an informal meet and greet reunion at KEW Bowls Club, where players and partners reconnected and shared stories from their cricketing years. The next day, the guests visited the Kimberley Cricket Oval for interviews and photographs, followed by an engagement with the Northern Cape Heat squad, led by head coach Mduzi Mabatha.

Then the Gala Dinner on Saturday evening paid tribute to individuals and teams who made major contributions to cricket in the region. A poignant moment of silence and lighting of a candle ceremony captured a powerful moment as the guests remembered those who had passed away, and honoured their contribution to Kimberley Cricket.

Awards and Recognition

The list of accolades was long and impressive.

Those who had been selected and played as Senior provincial players were honoured for their distinguished contribution to cricket, including (alphabetically): Shahid Alexander, Ishmael Akoojee, Phaldi Cader, Colin Crowie, Kingsley Erlank, Cyril Fredericks, Kenny Gordon, Charles Greef, Alexander Hannie, Roland Hermanus, Charles Jacobs, Ahmed Jinnah, Iqbal Kazie, Nathan Moodaley, Krishen Moodaley, Russell Moss, Howard Palm, Goolam Peerbhai, Stephen Rosier, Malcolm Rosier, Peter Salo, Terence Salo, Des Summers, Owen Visser.

Special honours were presented to Mr Yassiem Snyders, Ronnie Engelbrecht, Mr Abe Williams, Ralph Goodall, and Agie Patel for their exceptional contribution to cricket as well as the community.

In addition, awards for outstanding administration were presented to Messrs Basil du Toit, Lloyd Louw, Barlin Moodaley, AK Bhayat, and Eugene Jacobs for their tireless efforts and dedication to the sport.

For many, the cherry on the top was when the South African Coloured Cricket Association team was honoured. 

Included in this illustrious team were the late Mr RT Kader, Mr T Gertze and Mr CD Jacobs, and in attendance were Mr A Williams and Mr R Goodall, Mr Yassiem Snyders, and Mr Ron Engelbrecht. Additional appreciation was directed to Mr B Du Toit and Mr L Louw for their role as administrators.  

In addition to those legends, the 1988 Griqualand West team was also celebrated. This team won the Booley Bowl in East London under the captaincy of Bernie Bennett. 

The interesting thing about the list of names above is that for many who read them, they will just be a list of cricketers and administrators from yesteryear, but for those who shared the field, and rubbed shoulders with them in everyday life, the appreciation and admiration for these giants of their community and the game will always be remembered, celebrated, and honoured.