By Johnathan Paoli
Limpopo Impala Cricket (LIC) ushered in a new generation of provincial cricketing talent as dozens of the province’s most promising young players were honoured during a spirited capping ceremony ahead of Cricket South Africa’s annual national
youth weeks.
Held at LIC’s headquarters in Polokwane, the ceremony celebrated boys and girls selected to represent Limpopo in the U/13, U/17, and U/19 divisions at major tournaments scheduled across the country in December.
For many of the athletes, the occasion marked the culmination of years of dedication, weekend training sessions, cross-province trials, and an unwavering commitment to the game.
The squads were drawn from hundreds of aspiring cricketers across Limpopo’s schools and clubs, making selection itself a monumental achievement, according to LIC president Sakie Mabala Kwakwa.
Addressing the packed venue filled with players, parents, coaches, and administrators, Mabala praised the youngsters for setting the benchmark in provincial youth cricket.
“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,” Mabala said.
For LIC, the national weeks are more than just tournaments, but a platform for young cricketers to measure themselves against the country’s best, broaden their cricketing horizons, and potentially catch the eye of talent scouts.
The ceremony reflected that sense of importance, with players stepping up one by one to receive their provincial caps, symbolising their elevation to the Limpopo elite.
Among the U/16 girls’ players, Hoërskool Nylstroom’s Mpule Sebele said she felt driven to help the team reach new heights.
“I look forward to achieving something the U/16s haven’t achieved in a while. We want to surprise teams, showcase our talent, and show Limpopo we can do this,” Sebele said.
Her teammate from Mahwahwa High School, Pontsho Mopai, echoed that sentiment with infectious optimism.
“I look forward to winning all the games. Even if we don’t win, we must show off our talent and show Limpopo we’re the best. We should support one another, and we will represent the province well,” Mopai said.
For rising bowler Alicia Masela, also from Mahwahwa High School, the goals are both personal and collective.
“Individually, I want to take three wickets per match. As a team, we have to prove we were not mistakenly chosen and represent Limpopo well. We’re ready,” she said.
At the U/19 level, the stakes feel higher as players edge closer to potential senior provincial selection.
Hoërskool Frikkie Meyer all-rounder Mahlako Mamabolo said stepping onto the national stage is something she has dreamed of for years.
“I’m looking forward to representing LIC and making my province proud by working hard with my teammates. If we give everything, we can make our tournament a success,” Mamabolo said.
Mahwahwa High School’s Shelfa Mukhari said her ambitions extend far beyond the December fixtures.
“We want Limpopo to be proud of us and to improve our careers. We look forward to playing for the Proteas one day. This is another step toward that goal,” she said.
The U/13 boys, the youngest group heading to nationals, could hardly contain their excitement.
Many will be experiencing a major provincial tournament for the first time.
For Unicorn Preparatory School’s Tanish Patel, the call-up feels like the beginning of a lifelong cricket journey.
“I’m looking forward to the new challenge and playing at a high level of cricket. It’s a dream come true,” Patel said.
His teammate Ejnar Joubert, also from Unicorn, shared similar enthusiasm.
“I want to play at the highest level and make my team, my family, and the whole province proud,” he said.
Laerskool Julian Muller’s Mpho Matsetela said he is motivated by the chance to test himself against unfamiliar opposition.
“I’m looking forward to facing a new, tough challenge. I cannot wait for the experience,” he said.
While the focus of the morning remained firmly on the players, the event also offered a moment for LIC to reflect on its broader mission of nurturing cricketing excellence across Limpopo.
Founded in 2006, Limpopo Impala Cricket has long served as the beating heart of cricket in South Africa’s northernmost province. From its Polokwane headquarters, LIC has grown into a central hub of development, inclusivity, and opportunity for aspiring young players from rural villages, mining towns, and urban schools alike.
Its vision, as articulated by officials, is to cultivate a cricket culture that goes beyond on-field results — to inspire discipline, character, diversity, and unity among young athletes.
The organisation’s history is one of resilience: from securing first-class status in the 2006/07 season to making a triumphant return to top-tier competition in 2022/23 after a hiatus.
That legacy made the capping ceremony all the more meaningful, as the next generation stepped forward to carry Limpopo’s cricketing hopes into the future.
With the national tournaments now just days away, Limpopo’s squads will spend the coming week in final preparation.
Coaches say the youngsters are peaking at the right time, with balanced squads capable of competing with the traditional cricketing powerhouses.
For the athletes themselves, the months of training are over, the caps have been awarded, and the moment they have dreamed about has arrived.
If the passion, ambition, and confidence they expressed at the ceremony are anything to go by, Limpopo’s future in cricket is bright, and December’s national tournament could be the stage where some of these rising stars take their first steps toward greatness.
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