The Sunday News
Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
CRICKET rising star, Sakhumuzi Ndlela has an opportunity to get better in the sport after he was offered a scholarship to further his education at Gresham’s School in England.
Ndlela left for Norfolk last Thursday where he will do his advanced level studies while also doing cricket for the next two years.
The former Falcon College pupil was awarded the scholarship after attending trials that were held in Harare at the beginning of the year.
The 17 year old is expected to advance his cricketing skills during his two year stay after excelling in the sport locally. His local coach, Tonderai Damasi, who has been mentoring the youngsters since he started playing cricket at Carmel, believes his immense talent could see him permanently staying in England.
“He is immensely talented as an all rounder and we are going to be lucky if we are going to see him come back and play here.
“He will be exposed to the latest trends in cricket and for him I do not doubt that he can go far,” he said.
Sakhumuzi’s father, former Highlanders chairman Themba Ndlela said they were grateful for the opportunity and were hopefully the advanced training facilities and programmes will enhance his skill and make him grow in his career.
“He is going to a different environment much more advanced than our and as a young player we hope this will accelerate his growth in the sport. Being exposed to cricket in England at his age will certainly be beneficial for his development.
“Another plus is that there is more cricket activity at schools level in England than this side, so he will be able to play more games which is what is critically needed at the development stage,” he said.
“He is excited about the scholarship and is focused on coming out a better cricketer after these two years.”
National Under-19 cricket team coach, Prosper Utseya said despite having limited time in coaching he is impressed by Ndlela’s skills as he is focused, humble and has a high work ethic.
“The scholarship will certainly give him exposure as he will be playing more games than what is played here locally.
“He has a lot of promise in him, he is a genuine all rounder and I believe his is one for the future. He will be back in December for the under-19 World Cup,” he said.
The right-arm medium pace bowler and right-hand batman began his cricketing at Carmel School and continued with the craft at Falcon College where he blossomed and has commanded a place in all age-group national teams since turning 11.
He is one of the brightest prospects to come out of the city and is expected to feature dominantly in the future in senior cricket.
