Dlala Africa, a beacon of hope in the Manenberg community, often plagued by violence, is providing holistic support, nurturing cricket talent, and empowering future generations.

Manenberg, South Africa (17 October 2024) – In the heart of Manenberg township in Cape Town, lies a remarkable organisation that is working hard to make a profound difference and provide a holistic approach to supporting young people.

Dlala Africa provides nutrition, after-school homework support, mentorship, and a safe space to play cricket at the Ohio Sports Field.

The organisation offers a place where children can escape the harsh realities of their surroundings plagued by gang violence and discover their potential.

While tension and threats prevail on the periphery, the gangs know that this is a no-go area, allowing boys and girls from the community to meet to play together on this field.

Mentors making a difference

Professional cricket coach Shahied Adonis runs the Dlala Africa NGO program where he offers his time voluntarily, while Taz Mohammed heads up the after-school programme also voluntarily.

Their aim, together with coach Anees, is to keep children off the streets and away from the dangers that lurk nearby.

“Many of the children walk up to 3km to get to the field where they are provided a meal and assisted with schoolwork before heading to the nets for cricket practice.

“Dlala Africa serves meals to 100-120 children daily. And for some, this is their only meal,” shares Stuart Goulding, Dlala Africa Board Member.

Township cricketers soar to greater heights

Over the past few years Taz, Shahied, and Anees have nurtured young talent where top talent is rewarded with a bursary or scholarship to a prestigious school like Bishops Diocesan College, South African College Schools, or Wynberg Boys.

One of the organisation’s shining players, Abdallah Bayoumy has signed his first pro contract with WP Blitz.

Another rising star, Adnaan Lagadien just scored his debut hundred for the South Africa u19 Emerging Team. He went on tour recently with the Bishops Diocesan College’s 1^st cricket team and scored two double-hundreds in Sri Lanka!

“Many other first-division club teams have players who cut their teeth at the Ohio Sports Fields and have been mentored by Shahied before being given opportunities to serve as role models for those who follow.

“This window of opportunity means they can provide hope for their families and give back to the community,” adds Goulding.

Dlala Africa operates on R100,000 annually, serving 100-120 children each day.

The NGO is self-funded and with no principal donors, relies on the goodwill of the community.

“It is such a good cause to support, and Adnaan Lagadien is a testament to the large vein of untapped potential just waiting to be given a fair smack of the ball.”

To support Dlala Africa’s efforts in creating a brighter future for the youth of Manenberg email dlala.africanpo@gmail.com or stuartg@worldonline.co.za.

Sources: Dlala Africa

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The CATCH Trust’s launch of a new cricket season in Khayelitsha is levelling the playing field for township youth and allowing talented cricketers to reach their full potential.

Cape Town, South Africa (08 October 2024) – With the ongoing mission to use cricket as a vehicle for social change, the CATCH Trust is bringing the sport to the eager youngsters of Khayelitsha township!

The trust is excited to celebrate the start of the new cricket season at its Centre of Cricket Excellence in Khayelitsha, Western Cape by showcasing the next generation of township cricket talent.

Friday, 11 October marks the launch of the new season and promises to be a day of exciting youth cricket as boys and girls from CATCH Trust display their skills on the Centre’s world-class field and indoor facilities.

Attendees will learn more about the Trust’s impactful community initiatives, including the Women’s Empowerment Programme and CATCH Coaches Academy.

These programmes aim to improve cricket skills and also focus on holistic personal development, gender equity, and community upliftment.

CATCH’s Founder and Chairman, Gary Kirsten is committed to providing quality sports facilities and coaching opportunities to underprivileged township youth, ensuring they receive the same level of support as their peers in more affluent areas.

“Cricket is our language, but our work goes far beyond the pitch. Ten years ago, I visited Khayelitsha on a fact-finding mission and was shocked not to find a single sports field in the township. It became my mission to establish first-class facilities and coaching that would give kids an equal chance at the game of cricket.

“I’m a perfect example of someone who received every opportunity to explore my talents, and the trust aims to provide similar opportunities for very talented youngsters, no matter their background,” Kirsten shares.

The launch, opened to the public, will highlight the social development initiatives that lie at the heart of the Trust’s work, offering a firsthand look at how the CATCH Trust is transforming communities through cricket and beyond.

For more information, please contact tim@catchtrust.org.

Sources: CATCH Trust

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Despite the heartbreaking T20 World Cup final, South Africa head coach Rob Walter showcased a surprising but truly South African perspective: “We may have lost the game in the end, but that match was a massive win for us psychologically”:

South Africa (05 July 2024) — Following the heartbreaking T20 World Cup final, South Africa head coach Rob Walter showed a surprising and inspiring dose of optimism that’ll make many South Africans proud.

While the team definitely faced the downer of disappointment, they’re looking at the future positively and even with a refreshed sense of excitement—an attitude that Rob captured, and one that many of us can take forward when it comes to readjusting ourselves to our own goals after facing hurdles.

“When you lose that way, it always hurts, and you think about all those small margins during the game. But you only end up torturing yourself thinking about one run here or there,” Walter said speaking to SportsBoom.com after returning to Johannesburg. 

“Reaching the final shows that we’ve made great strides as a team and I’m excited for the future. Just look at our attack and the pacemen who didn’t play (Gerald Coetzee, Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger), we’ve probably got seven quick bowlers who can make an impact at that level.”

Rob powerfully adds:

“We may have lost the game in the end, but that match was a massive win for us psychologically. From 24 for four, we played outstandingly well and gave ourselves a chance, we did the same with the ball. 

“I still believe that the semi-final will be the catalyst to us finally winning a world cup, and in the T20 World Cup, now we just kept chipping away and clawing our way back, there’s a lot of resilience in this team.”

Captain Aiden Markram shared this sentiment of pride for the team despite the loss.

“Everyone was shattered after the final, but Aiden found a way to put a smile on his face,” said Keshav Maharaj. 

“That optimism is something we could feed off as a team, it restored our belief, and it shows how far we have come as a team. We will bounce back and I’m pretty sure Aiden will be one of the first South Africans holding the world cup.”

Sources: Supplied

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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