BY SPORTS REPORTER IT’S back, and promises to be fresher and more exciting!
The CABS-sponsored St George’s College Smashing T20, one of the most entertaining schoolboy T20 tournaments in Africa, makes a welcome comeback following the pandemic-forced absence over the last couple of years.
Denford Kumundati, coach of host school St George’s, perfectly captured the mood of expectant spectators ahead of the tournament.
“It’s going to be exciting to see the boys once again on the field! Can’t wait to enjoy the good cricketing environment,” Kumundati said.
“As a coach, I’m looking forward to the T20 after such a long break due to the Covid-19 pandemic.”
And the tournament has grown bigger, with hosts St George’s will be joined by Lomagundi College, Hellenic Academy, St John’s College, Peterhouse Boys, Falcon College, Prince Edward, Churchill and Christian Brothers College.
South Africa’s St Andrews College of Grahamstown will bring over two teams, with Windhoek High of Namibia completing the international flavour.
Said the organisers: “The batsmen will clear the boundary with flair and aplomb on the Saints fields, and bowlers will sure take the wickets with skillful and quality bowling. Some electrifying fielding as well. Make a date, 25 to 28 August, for this tournament, one of the best attendance social events in Zimbabwe every year.”
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Some of the coaches of the participating schools have spoken of their relief over the return of the tournament.
Former Zimbabwe pace bowler David Mutendera, in charge of Harare’s St John’s, “can’t wait” for it.
“It was quite depressing to miss this event in the last few years,” the ex-national team star said. “This a major event on the schools’ calendar in Zimbabwe, a platform to groom future stars. The quality of the cricket on show in this tournament is unbelievable. I can’t wait.”
Prince Edward coach, Alois Tichana is expecting to witness a thrilling brand of T20 cricket.
“Being the shortest format of the game, T20 is fast and entertaining that is why this tournament is a big crowd puller,” remarked Tichana.
“The boys always repay the fans with exciting cricket. The level of talent is amazing. The competition is stiff. Trust me, a lot of these boys will be playing international cricket for their countries in the not-too-distant future.”
The St George’s T20 tournament is a popular catchment area for talent and scouts attend the matches in search of players. This year will be no different.
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