Cricket South Africa's team is eagerly poised and fully prepared for the forthcoming DICC World Cup. Deaf Cricket South Africa (DCSA) proudly unveils its official squad, a culmination of meticulous selection and training, as they gear up for the highly anticipated DICC T20 World Cup in the UAE in 2024. This prestigious tournament is scheduled to unfold its cricketing spectacle from the 6th to the 12th of March at the renowned Vision Cricket Centre in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
As the cricketing world turns its focus towards this grand event, spectators can anticipate witnessing top-notch performances from the finest cricket teams globally. Notable contenders include Australia, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and the reigning champions, Sri Lanka. Among these formidable competitors stands the DCSA squad, a group of individuals whose amalgamation of passion, determination, and maturity sets them apart.
Beyond the realms of competition, the DCSA squad aspires to serve as ambassadors for both the sport and South Africa as a whole. Their journey is not merely about winning matches but also about inspiring and catalyzing growth in deaf cricket at grassroots levels, both within the nation and on the international stage.
Cricket South Africa, recognizing the significance of this momentous occasion, extends its heartfelt best wishes to the squad. The hope is that they will not only make the nation proud but also etch an indelible mark on the global cricketing stage. The stage is set for a riveting display of cricketing prowess and sportsmanship.
Rory Hickson, the esteemed Chairperson of DCSA, exudes immense pride when discussing the squad's composition, noting, "This squad has been on a remarkable journey together for an extended period, arguably making it the most experienced team we've ever fielded on an international stage." Hickson emphasizes the exceptional resilience displayed by the squad, their bond akin to closely knit brothers, evident both on and off the field.
The dedication and determination of the squad members shine through not only in their on-field performance but also in their off-field endeavors. A testament to this commitment is their concerted efforts to raise funds, ensuring that the entire squad could embark on this transformative journey to the international stage.
Against the backdrop of South Africa's success in other sporting codes, Hickson underscores the weight of expectations on the squad during this time. He expresses confidence that these gentlemen will rise to the challenge, drawing inspiration from their counterparts in rugby and senior cricket. The anticipation is that the DCSA squad will deliver exceptional performances, uniting the nation in their pursuit of excellence and contributing to the legacy of success that South African sports are currently enjoying.
DCSA SQUAD:
Riaan Cronje (Head Coach), Calvin Kammeraat (Team Manager), Michael Lombard (Assistant Manager), Geoff Botha (Physiotherapist).
Coenraad van der Berg (Titans), Colin Venter (Cpt – Lions), Dudley Rossouw (Titans), Eric Minaar (Boland), Heinrich Badenhorst (Titans), Onalerona Seemise (Titans), Reinhardt Limbach (Titans), Rual Kumalo (Boland), Ruan du Plessis (Western Province), Shani de Jager (Lions), Sivesh Poonsamy-Muthoo (Lions), Tjaardt van der Walt (Western Province), Zane Adams (Western Province).
SA Fixtures;
Wednesday, 06 March 2024 @10h00 – South Africa vs Pakistan
Thursday, 07 March 2024 @10h00 – South Africa vs India
Friday, 08 March 2024 @14h00 – South Africa vs Bangladesh
Saturday, 09 March 2024 @10h00 – South Africa vs Australia
Sunday, 10 March 2024 @10h00 – South Africa vs Sri Lanka
Monday, 11 March 2024 – Semifinals
Tuesday, 12 March 2024 - Final