Botswana Cricket Association (BCA) campaign to develop and expose young cricketers to international tournaments is off to a flying start and the country’s national youth team will be competing in the Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) National Under 18 Cricket tournament. BCA, spokesperson, Sumod Damodar said the national Under 19 boys teams was selected from both public and private schools, the boys are also playing in the 50 over BCA league.
“BCA has a desire to develop cricket across the country and expose young players to top international tournaments. ZCU has better facilities and Zimbabwe is a test playing nation so we expect the boys go and play to the best of their ability” Damodar said. He is upbeat that the Botswana youngsters will learn a lot from the tournament because they will be playing against stronger sides. Damodar is however confident that the young lads will make the nation proud because they have the talent and skill to match their opponents. Damodar who is also the Africa Cricket Association (ACA) Tournament Director encouraged other nations in Africa to host similar tournaments to expose the kids to big tournaments at young age.
“Neighboring countries should host tournaments such as this one because it helps to spread the sport across the continent and cost will be reduced if neighboring countries stage tournaments because players will not have to spend more on long distance assignments” observed Damodar.
The BCA also wants to use the tournament to help the boys prepare for the Africa Division 2 qualifiers slated for September. Botswana has similar annual tournament for girls in which BCA invites neighboring countries to take part. The week long tournament is expected to start on the 4th to 8th April. The team departed yesterday and the boys are expected back on Saturday. Games will be hosted by Eaglesvale College & Old Harare Sports Club, in Harare.