Leading Edge 2019

With the season almost done and dusted we as DACC had our fair share of up’s and down’s again during the past few months. We also had our challenges with support from NCU, either a lack of understanding or just not interested, this is an area that really can be improved going forward. We also had the Blind Team (DA 3) in the NCU League, finishing second behind league winners TUT 6 for the first half of the season. Unfortunately most of their games was won due to forfeits from other teams, but this did not hamper their spirits. The games they did play they won with good contest against the other teams. Unfortunately they were not allowed to play in the second half T20 competition due to some unjustified reasons given by NCU. These players just want to play cricket and the way the team was treated is not just unfair but very disappointing to say the least. Funding is still one of our biggest hurdles, but we have been hard at work to get more people and companies involved with the club, even volunteers have been drafted for the club to assist us. That said we also achieved quite a lot and below just some players that needs mentioning, showing that if you put in the hard work you will plough the rewards: Andre Barnard (Intellectually Impaired) – an 18 year old who is playing in his second season. Andre has come on leaps and bounds since joining the club. Looking back when he first started he was afraid of the ball when batting and threw instead of bowling. With dedication and the willingness to learn he has become a real all-rounder for the future. Aggressive batting with a medium to slow bowler constantly on the mark. An exciting player that we look forward to see what he does next season not to mention the fact that he travels 50km with his cycle to practise every week. Zaine Esterhuizen (Physically Impaired) – a 13 year old who is playing in his first season. We’ve dobbed him mini Heinrich, both players have the exact impairment. This boy is truly unique, he is the inspiration for the entire team when they are on the field. Not quite for one moment he keeps everyone alive and ensures the team spirit stays on a high. He is the live of the party so to say, but he will develop into a respectable young cricket going forward. Still hard work ahead getting him to become a force to be reckon with. Jan Labuschagne (Physically Impaired) – a 35 year old who is playing in his first season. Jan who is the first amputee player of the club is truly a talented player. Although a bit more seasoned than the others Jan is a leader in all aspects. He motivates the players on and off the field, and leads by example; being the Bowler and the Batsman of the Year for DA 2 this season. What a way to make your debut for a club, looking forward to more runs and wickets in the 2019/2020 season. Considering that the club participate in the lower leagues (4th, 5th and 6th league) we still want to be competitive and will be changing our strategy for the 2019/2020 season. The funding that NCU provided for facility upgrades has been used by all the clubs, if it was used wisely, that is debatable. Speaking offline with other coaches and chairman’s it is clear that the way NCU had issued work to their suppliers was received with mixed feelings. Some clubs were happy with work that has been done others not. Quality vs Price was the biggest question raised by most, something to consider in future if the funds are available again. Overall cricket is still alive within NCU and new guidelines as per CSA’s 3 year plan is going to be quite interesting to see how that develops. We continue to have our own challenges for the next couple of months before the new season starts but feel confident that we will achieve our goals. We have the players and skills to be competitive, looking forward to the next chapter of the club’s history as we build on our future players. Differently Abled Cricket Greetings Curtley Roberts Christo Pelzer Head of Coaching DACC Chairman DACC