Former Proteas batsman Ashwell Prince says the EP Warriors’ looming relegation from Division 1 will be “catastrophic” for cricket in both the Eastern Cape and South Africa.
The Warriors are currently bottom of the 4-Day Series log and will join Border (Eastern Cape Iinyathi) in Division 2 next season if they remain in that position – as seems likely – after the final round of league-stage matches this week.
“It would be a massive blow for a region that has been a major contributor to South African cricket for many years,” Prince told the Sunday Times.
Coach Robin Peterson side’s hopes of staying up were dealt a big setback earlier this month when they lost their spot in the One-Day Cup playoffs after being deducted log points for breaching CSA’s quota system.
While EP Cricket’s request for a mediation process has been granted by CSA, the national body would face court action from other relegation-threatened unions if it reversed its decision.
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Prince said even the prospect of relegation was a big wake-up call for the Eastern Cape.
“Go back to those schools like Selborne, St Andrews, Grey High and create a proper structure in the school system,” he said.
“It’s the same for Gelvandale, where I come from, and the northern areas of Gqeberha; those kids need a platform.
“You have to identify players, not just stick 11 kids into a taxi; it’s not that easy. Identify players who have the potential to go through the system, play for the union and then go on to represent South Africa.”
Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images
