Non-profit Organization Vision

John Arthur and Colin Chater, committee members, have been in discussions with South African rugby legends (see www.sarugbylegends.com), ceo, John Allen on working in partnership with them on sport development with cricket in mind. An agreement has been reached between the parties in principle.

The South African rugby legends association formed a charitable trust for the purpose to raise funds for the development of rugby at grass roots and club level, thus providing a vehicle for ex players to put something back into rugby.

They have grown into a full blown social awareness charity, using sport as the catelyst, to bring people together, and, then evolving their sport aspirations, as well as educating them, about health, wealth and social characteristics. They have embarked on a sustainable legency park project which has become their flagship, whereby over a 10 year period they are raising over one billion rands to build 400 multi-purpose facilities in economically disadvantaged communities, and, to help South Africa solve their sport and social challenges, and, as a consequence will feed 500,000 street kids per day.

Through the generous sponsorship of the Elan Property Group, they have held over 60 development clinics around the country, and, have coached approx. 45,000 previously disadvantaged players.

Using this model, and, working closely with S.A. Rugby legends, kingsmead mynahs club plan to develop cricket. We have been in negotiations, firstly, with kwa zulu natal cricket union, ceo, jesse chellan, and, have identified areas in the region that they are not covering, notably East Griqualand and the midlands areas around Ixopo. Former experienced officials/coaches living in those regions we've had discussions with.

The club has also held very successful under 11 t20 tournaments over 3 days involving 15 primary schools and 3 development sides provided by KZN cricket union, over the past four years. The event has been arranged and organized by former director of Kearsney College cricket, Phil Ratcliffe, and, the tournament director being, former south schools convenor of selectors and coach, Mike Griffiths.

The concept is planned together with KZN cricket union to be held in the eThekweni area for disadvantaged young cricketers, and, taken into the country areas such as Zululand, Northern and Southern KWA-Zulu Natal.

We have also come to an agreement with former test cricket legend, and, former convenor of selectors and South African coach, and international cricket council test referee, Mike Procter, who works very closely with former provincial cricketer Rodney Malamba, on developing disavantaged children in KZN.

There are also plans to approach former Proteas great Makhaya Ntini to assist with his academy for previously disadvantaged communities in the Eastern Cape.

In the past under 23 sides were sent on overseas tours, and, did in those days pick players of colour, against the wishes of the then government. We plan to reintroduce this as part of our campaign. Recently an under 23 side was sent to East London to play against the border academy side, successfully, resulting in a number of aspiring young cricketers being included later in provincial, and, South African under 19 world cup sides.

The Mozambique cricket team has also been assisted with players by our club, to strengthen their side for their "test match" against the MCC from England, in Maputo in 2009.

Tradionally a Kingsmead Mynahs XI, made up of first class cricketers play against school first teams. A development KZN cricket union under 19 side, has, also been included in this programme. The club also has an under 17 side that is picked from all over KZN.

The club has been very successful in developing cricket since 1971 with notable internationals such as Bob Woolmer, John Lever, Alan Jones etc. Being brought out as coaches.

The club also has a long association with all time great Barry Richards, and, was inovative in arranging sponsorship from Clover Dairies during the amateur era.

Kingsmead mynahs has strong links with many past and present international cricketers.

Colin Chater
Cell: 083 6534792
e-mail: cec.pine@mindsmail.co.za