The national student outfit who walks out onto the Groenkloof cricket oval at the University of Pretoria today to take on a South African “emerging” team will have more than just a sampling of Madibaz DNA.
The 50-over tri-series, comprising four matches followed by a final on August 12, features coach Garth Anderson along with allrounders Jason Raubenheimer and Weza Gqiba.
A Bangladeshi emerging team is the other nation involved in the competition.
The Madibaz mentor, currently the acting cricket manager at Madibaz Sport, has been appointed assistant coach.
“I am humbled,” Anderson said on the eve of the competition from his hotel in the host city, where his team assembled earlier this week to prepare for their opening match.
“It is an important step in my coaching journey.”
As is the case for him, he believes the series will also be invaluable for his players.
“It will expose them to different styles of cricket and a highly competitive environment,” he said, adding that such opportunities are crucial in helping players bridge the gap to the higher levels of the game.
A trio of Madibaz players are in the national student team who compete in a tri-series cricket tournament against emerging teams from South Africa and Bangladesh from today. They are, from left, Weza Gqiba, coach Garth Anderson and Jason Raubenheimer. Photo: Supplied
“These tournaments accelerate a player’s development because they are exposed to higher standards and increased pressure. Beyond improving their cricket, they also develop resilience and professionalism.”
Raubenheimer has been at the coalface ever since he learnt of his selection and was in a confident mood as he waited for the battle to get underway.
“I’m ready to give my best,” he said, acknowledging that adaptability is key in the unfamiliar wintery conditions.
The 27-year-old, who is contracted by the Warriors franchise, has focused on improving his consistency of late.
“I have continued playing and training to stay match-ready. My goal is to perform well and contribute to the team while also learning from playing against strong opposition.”
He was on tenterhooks as he readied himself to represent his country and making most of the opportunity.
Gqiba, an architectural technology student at Mandela University who is also active within the Warriors set-up, gave a thumbs-up to his own preparation.
“I’ve been fortunate. The coaches and players have helped me refine my skills and strengthen the basics of my game.”
The 24-year-old gave kudus to the tertiary institution’s own cricket programme, too. He always has access to prepared pitches to hone his skills and is grateful of the fact.
Having represented both Eastern Province Colts and PE Cricket Club at the national club championships in Pretoria, Gqiba feels he has a handle on the Highveld conditions.
“The wickets should have good pace and movement because it’s still before the start of the season,” he explained.
With the ball travelling farther at altitude, he thinks the tournament will favour a team playing a positive brand of cricket.
Fixtures (all in Pretoria):
July 30: Ussa v SA Emerging (Groenkloof Oval)
August 3: Ussa v Bangladesh Emerging (Tuks Oval)
August 5: Ussa v SA Emerging (Irene Country Club)
August 7: Ussa vs Bangladesh Emerging (Irene Country Club)
August 12: Final