Gauteng Muslim schools affiliated to the Associated Muslim Schools (AMS) are all set to take on other provinces as they went about putting together a T20 team for the Associated Muslim Schools Under 19 during October.
Roshnee Muslim School once more play host for this national showpiece that is scheduled to be held at the Roshnee stadium. Last year they did a splendid job as the host and I’m sure everybody expect an even better one, this time round.
Over the past weekend, on Saturday, August 22 Gauteng Provincial trials was held for team selection at the Lenasia Cricket Stadium, a sudden switch from the Roshnee Stadium.
17 kids from AMS Gauteng Schools were at the nets for those trials and their performances for that morning impressed officials that were present, including National Sports Co-ordinator and principal of Lenasia Muslim school (Primary), Farouk Akoojee, Mahmood Motala and Riaaz Harris (Joburg Muslim school) and Asád Motara from Azaadville Muslim School.
Riaaz who most likely be the manager of the team (not confirmed at the time of going into print) said while the kids were at the nets. “Some excellent talent was seen within these kids and I am sure with regular training and match practice we will be able to put together a great team. Also we must let the boys play regularly so that they can get game time. Otherwise our team will do well at the nationals.”
This coming weekend this team will feature in a game against the national under 19 team, in Roshnee and other games will be arranged well before the national competition.
A national team is expected to be selected at the National T20 Cricket tournament where other provinces, Western Province, Eastern Province, KZN and Gauteng will participate..
This process has already started last year by the legendary, Hoosein Ayob and will continue at this forthcoming national event as some are out who are in Matric ( the schools don’t allow kids at this level to play any sport ), others have left the schools.
After the nets, Mr Harris announced the squad of possibilities for the Gauteng Squad. They include, Muaaz Sheikh, Mohammed Karahi ( Roshnee), Mohammed Ali Sufi, Saeem Chapparia ( Johannesburg MS), Huzaifah Ellimdin, Yusuf Manga, Yusuf Kalan ( Tswane MS), Zerek Baig, Shwaal Baig, Ebrahim and Mohamed Kotwal (Azaadville MS), Isa Wajoodien, Wasil Dasoo ( Lenasia MS).
Ebrahim Kotwal (Azaadville) will be the skipper of the team while Isa Wajoodien will be the vice captain of the team.
Mohammed Ali Sufi is amongst the best batsman within the team while Zerek Baig, s spinner is adding to the attack while bowlers are many, in the likes of Sufi, Ellimdin, skipper Ebrahim and Dasoo.
At the end Akoojee said much to the kids, “ we need to give 100 % to the Gauteng team and then the same amount for the national team (if selected). Team spirit, Team building, playing with passion is ingredients of a quality player.
Remember, we are all first muslim, therefore our Aklaagh (behaviour) must be very well, on and off the field and we must go out there to promote this well.
All the best to all of you out there, enjoy the games in good spirit.”
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