The Grahamstown leg of the annual Coca-Cola Schools T20 Challenge gets underway in Grahamstown today (5 January 2015), when Kingswood College host Graeme College.
The Grahamstown leg of the annual Coca-Cola Schools T20 Challenge gets underway in Grahamstown today (5 January 2015), when Kingswood College host Graeme College.
The regional phase of the tournament began in December and continues into March. In a press release from Intune Communications & Entertainment, it states that the tournament is “arguably the most entertaining schoolboy cricket in South Africa”.
Today’s match between the Kingswood and Graeme 1st teams takes place at Kingswood College at 2pm. The winner of today's game will face St Andrew's on Wednesday 13 January.
The Coca-Cola Schools T20 Challenge takes place annually with each of Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) 16 unions staging tournaments to identify their provincial champions. A play-off between the various provincial champions within their regions will then determine which school will represent each of the six franchises in the national finals tournament.
“The Coca-Cola® Schools T20 Challenge is where our country’s future cricketing heroes are made,” states the press release,” said Shawn Belluigi of Intune Communications & Entertainment.
Now in its 4th season, the tournament sees over 7300 players from 665 schools around the country participating and with the likes of Quinton De Kock and rising Proteas superstar bowler, Kagiso Rabada, having already progressed through its ranks, it is fast becoming synonymous as a platform for showcasing some of the best in South African youth cricketing talent.
Corrie van Zyl, CSA General Manager: Cricket, commented: “Cricket South Africa proudly thanks all our administrators, coaches, players and parents for the valuable roles they each play in making our T20 Schools Tournament one of the biggest and most successful events anywhere in the world.
“To the players, we congratulate you on being selected into your schools team. Let this be the first step to higher honours. Remember that cricket is a team sport and your individual effort is an important part of the whole, and for the benefit of the team. Enjoy the wonderful feeling of contributing to a great team effort. This will serve you well in your later life no matter the career path you choose to follow.”
Fetsi Mbele Coca-Cola® Africa’s Senior Communications Manager: Brand Experience, commented, “South Africa is extremely proud to support the development of South Africa’s next cricketing heroes through the Coca-Cola® Schools T20 Challenge. The tournament has grown into a reputable platform for youngsters to really showcase what they are truly made of, as well as signifying the importance of living an active, healthy lifestyle through participation in sport. Coca-Cola’s philosophy in sponsoring sport is all about encouraging physical activity and developing healthy lifestyles. Playing sport, together with a balanced diet, play an important role in maintaining a healthy way of life.”
The regional phase of the Coca-Cola Schools T20 Challenge is underway with the Provincial Finals phase beginning in February 2016 and the National Finals scheduled for March 2016.
sport@grocotts.co.za
