Photo Credit: Cricket South Africa
Free State Cricket Union last night hosted their 128th Annual General Meeting via Microsoft Teams.
The Members Council was adopted as follows:
President – Xander Snyders
Vice-President (Discipline/Governance/HR) – Zola Thamae
Vice-President (Cricket Affairs) – Warren Boyes
Treasurer – Jeff Mosala
Mr. Snyders was the only nomination for the position of President. Ms. Thamae, the outgoing President, is to remain on the Council and serve as Vice-President with Warren Boyes. Jeff Mosala remains as company Treasurer.
The Board will expand from 7 members to 9 members, with the newly appointed structures to be confirmed after the first Council meeting following the Annual General Meeting.
Ms. Thamae gave a heartfelt Presidential Report, as she stepped down after 7 years of exceptional leadership: “I would like to thank the Board of Directors, Members Council, players, technical officials and personnel for the healthy relationship in taking the organisation forward. At times we have had to take unpopular decisions and have robust discussions for the advancement of the organisation.
“Without the wisdom and vision of everybody my task for the past seven years would have been extremely difficult. Let me also appreciate the overwhelming support we have received from our sponsors in the name of VKB, Magnisan, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, OFM, SA Breweries, Distell and Twizza for without their support in the currently distressed economy we wouldn’t have made it.
“As my term comes to an end let me thank the CEO, Mr Johan Van Heerden, for his sound and strong leadership skills. Johan, kindly extend my gratitude to the entire personnel without singling out anyone as each and every one of them plays a crucial role.
“I would urge that my successor be afforded the same support I have been given throughout the years. I have grown so much in the role I’ve been given, and I have appreciated the experience. Memories will last with me for years to come and no one can erase them. Lastly, I would like to thank my family, especially my husband Mac, for the support they have given me throughout the past years. I have sometimes sacrificed family quality time for the sake of cricket and were happy to allow me. I thank you.”
Ms Zola Thamae further congratulated the newly elected President: “We wish you all the best and urge every sub-union, affiliate and staff member to give you the same support that I was given during my term, and with no doubt I believe you will continue to carry the union forward.
“Also congratulations to our new Vice-President Mr. Warren Boyes. In terms of cricket affairs you are the Guru.”
“Welcoming back also as Treasurer, Mr. Jeff Mosala. You have grown tremendously and thank you for allowing your time again to be part of union.”
Newly elected President of Free State Cricket Union, Mr. Xander Snyders went on to thank Ms. Zola Thamae for her kind words. “It will be an honour for me to serve with the newly appointed Members Council. Thank you for the support and trust from all the affiliates in nominating me as your President.
“Hard work awaits us all as we need to revive cricket after the COVID-19 period. I have no doubt that as a team we will work hard to further strengthen development and transformation. It is an absolute honour for me to follow in the footsteps of my predecessors such as Ewie Cronje, John Blair, Carl van Heerden, Charlie Robinson, Leon Crawley and Zola Thamae.”
Xander’s love for cricket started at school level. He matriculated in 1987 from Bloemfontein HTS where he played cricket for their first team. From there he continued playing the sport he loved at various club levels. He was appointed as Secretary for Bloemfontein Cricket Association and was also actively involved with Correctional Services as Chairman, Team Manager and Coach for their national team.
Since then he has served as Chairperson of the Bloemfontein Cricket Association, Vice-President of Free State Cricket Union and director of the Central Cricket Franchise. A further indication for his love for sport is the work he has done as a freelance sports journalist for the past 12 years for Radio Rosestad, OFM and Varsity Cup Rugby.
