NC Schools SA20 Cricket play-offs a resounding success

THE RECENT Northern Cape Schools SA20 cricket play-offs held in Kimberley, held last Sunday and Monday, marked the relaunch and rebrand of the Schools T20 Challenge, formerly known as the Coca-Cola Schools Challenge.

This event, organised in conjunction with Cricket South Africa, has reclaimed its position as the premier national school competition for Under-19 cricket teams across the country.

The play-offs showcased top talent from across the Northern Cape, with teams that had secured top two or three positions in their respective regions vying for glory in both the Under-19 boys and girls categories. The matches featured eight teams in the boys’ section and four in the girls’ section.

The Boy’s teams were Kathu High, Northern Cape High, De Aar High, Kalahari High, Frank Roro Hub, Diamantveld, Upington High and Prieska High, while the Under-19 Girl’s team was made up of Kathu High, Kuruman Hub, St. Patrick’s CBC, and Northern Cape High.

The boys’ final saw an intense battle between Kalahari High and Upington High after these teams had battled through the ranks. After a hard-fought match, Kalahari emerged as the champions of the inaugural Northern Cape Schools SA20. In the girls’ final, Kuruman Hub showcased their dominance with a strong performance against St. Patrick’s CBC, securing the title as winners of the first edition of the competition.

With their victories, Kalahari High and Upington High, the winners and runners-up in the boys’ category, earned the opportunity to represent the Northern Cape in Stage 2 of the Schools SA20.

They will face the top teams from Free State and North West in Potchefstroom this weekend, from January 17-19.

Meanwhile, Kuruman Hub, the champions in the girls’ category, will also travel to Potchefstroom to compete against the leading girls’ teams from Free State and North West during the same period.

All in all, the rebranding and successful execution of the Northern Cape Schools SA20 have revitalised schools cricket, offering young players an elevated platform to showcase their skills and pursue higher honours. The tournament not only fosters healthy competition but also serves as a critical stepping stone for aspiring cricketers aiming to make a mark at provincial and national levels.

Now, as the Northern Cape representatives prepare for Stage 2 of the competition, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of their schools and communities. The Schools SA20 promises to continue nurturing talent and building the future of South African cricket.