Cricket South Africa chief executive officer Thabang Moroe expressed delight about Sunfoil Education Trust beneficiaries Thamsanqa Kumalo’s and Andile Mogakane’s inclusion in South Africa’s U19 squad for the February tour of India.

Kumalo and Mogakane are products of the KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union, Department of Sports and Recreation, and Sunfoil Township and Rural Development Programme.

‘Congratulations to these two young gentlemen,’ said Moroe.

‘It is a real testament to what is being done at our grassroots level when you see achievements like these.

‘The two boys have worked hard to be where they are while overcoming various life challenges, and thanks to Sunfoil, along with the sacrifices made by the coaches and administrators, they are realising their dreams.

‘We look forward to what they and the rest of the team can achieve in India.’

CSA youth and tertiary manager Niels Momberg added: ‘We are really proud of their achievements. The pipeline is pumping, and thanks to the hard work put in by these youngsters, the youth coaches and the vital support from partners like Sunfoil, we are able to create sustainable pathways for these aspiring cricketers and produce well-rounded individuals.

‘Also, a huge mention must go to the Sunfoil Rural Development programme and the structures at KZNCU and DSR.’

South Africa U19 squad: Matthew Montgomery (Dolphins), Luke Beaufort (Warriors), Jonathan Bird (Cape Cobras), Achille Cloete (Cape Cobras), Gerald Coetzee (Knights), Marco Jansen (Lions), Thamsanqa Kumalo (Dolphins), Bonga Makaka (Cape Cobras), Andile Mogakane (Dolphins), Kgaudise Molefe (Lions), Lifa Ntanzi (Dolphins), Bryce Parsons (Lions), Siya Plaatjie (Cape Cobras), Ruan Terblanche (Cape Cobras), Nonelela Yikha (Warriors).

Photo: Gallo