Talented young batsman Tshepang Dithole was included in the 2016/17 Dolphins squad, and had some humble words for the people that got him there.

The 23-year-old from Krugersdorp made his first-class debut in 2014, and after a promising season with KZN-Inland last season, has been rewarded with a franchise contract.

He was quick to praise the contributions of Greg Hayes and the rest of the team that worked with Dithole at the CSA Program at University of Fort Hare, in one of many successful stories to have emerged from CSA’s Transformation Programs.

This was Dithole’s email to Hayes:

Good afternoon Mr Hayes

Firstly I’d like to thank you for all the efforts you have dedicated to each and every male and female taking part within this establishment, and making sure that all of that becomes a success for everyone involved.

Thank you for the times you were there for me when I clearly had my back against the wall and had nowhere to go. Occasionally I came to you and asked for your help and you always made sure everything works out not just for me but for everyone. You played a gigantic role in my success and I am extremely grateful.

To CSA, massive thanks to everyone that on a daily basis attempts to ensure hat this program remains and continues to be a success. Thank you CSA, for identifying me and the others to be part of this program and build a secure future for not only for us but our families also.

I am where I am in cricket because of the CSA Ufh program. All that has happened has led me to where I am now. If it wasn’t for this program, i wouldn’t be where I am now. I am now a post graduate student, I have a degree in Economics and I wouldn’t have achieved that if it wasn’t for you (CSA). All the payments made on my and everyone’s behalf, we are grateful. The scouts that were Shukri Conrad, Victor Mpitsang etc, results are showing, we appreciate their inferences. The help you provided us with through Mrs Melonie Gobel for the personal matters also played a prominent role in all of this.

Thanks to you all, Thanks for giving us Mr Greg Hayes, Nandile Tyale and coach Mfuneko Ngam as our management. CSA has change my life, and I’m sure I’m not the only one out there. Thank you for making a difference.

Yours
Tshepang Alvin Dithole

This was Hayes’ response to Dithole:

Dear Tshepang,

Many thanks indeed for your email received. Thank you too for your kind words of appreciation and thanks. I will most certainly pass your thanks onto CSA and to all those who have played a significant role in your life.
We are all extremely proud of your achievements thus far, having secured a franchise contract with the Dolphins and more importantly obtaining your “degree in Economics” So chuffed for you!! – very well done!!
Please be reminded that a degree does not necessary guarantee a job but does qualify you to look for one 🙂

Please continue with both your studies and cricket and know that we are all rooting for you. You are an example of what the programme is aimed at producing – a well- rounded young man!!

Please keep it up and continue to keep in touch, your family in the Eastern Cape misses you!!

Catch up soon

Kind regards,

Greg

Picture: Ntombela/BackpagePix