By Johnathan Paoli
Limpopo Impala Cricket (LIC) celebrated the province’s rising cricket stars last week during a vibrant capping ceremony held in Polokwane ahead of Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) annual national youth week.
LIC president Sakie Mabala Kwakwa congratulated the squads and encouraged them to embrace the pressure and pride of representing Limpopo on the national stage.
“You were the chosen ones out of hundreds. Your hard work has brought you here, and we believe you’ll make us proud. Good luck. Carry our dreams and the pride of Limpopo onto the national stage,” Kwakwa said.
The event honoured boys and girls selected to represent Limpopo in the under 13, 16 and 19 divisions at the national tournaments taking place across the country in December.
The ceremony marked a major milestone for the young athletes, who were chosen from hundreds of players across the province, a testament to their hard work, consistency, and talent.
Families, coaches and officials gathered at LIC headquarters to witness the symbolic moment each player stepped forward to receive their provincial cap.
Among the under 16 girls, Hoërskool Nylstroom’s Mpule Sebele expressed her determination to help her team break new ground.
She said she was looking forward to achieving something the U/16s haven’t achieved in a while.
“We want to surprise teams and show Limpopo we can do this,” Sebele said.
Her teammate from Mahwahwa High School, Pontsho Mopai, said unity would be key.
“I look forward to winning all the games. Even if we don’t win, we must show off our talent. We should support one another, and we will represent Limpopo well,” she said.
At U/19 level, Hoërskool Frikkie Meyer’s Mahlako Mamabolo said she is motivated by the chance to shine at national level.
“I’m looking forward to representing LIC and making my province proud by working hard with my teammates,” she said.
The ceremony also reflected LIC’s broader mission of developing cricketing excellence in Limpopo.
Established in 2006, the organisation has grown into the province’s central hub for cricket development, uniting schools, clubs and communities through a shared passion for the sport.
LIC’s history includes securing first-class status in 2006–07 and making a notable return to top-tier competition in the 2022–23 season.
The association continues to focus on nurturing young talent, promoting diversity, and building a cricket culture that inspires the next generation.
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