Photo Credit: Dolphins Cricket
At the recent Annual General Meeting of the KZN Cricket Union, former Durban and Districts Cricket Union president and Hollywoodbets Dolphins selector Yunus Bobat was chosen as the KZN Cricket Union president.
In a unanimous vote on Friday evening’s AGM Bobat was elected to take over from Daniel Govender who now serves on the Cricket South Africa board and will move back into a vice-president position.
Having held administrative positions in the past, Bobat understands the challenges that come with his new role.
“Being President of KZNCU is a huge honour and having served cricket for a long time at district level, I believe I am equipped for the challenges that lie ahead,” Bobat said.
“I have served KZN cricket in various portfolios for a number of years which will hold me in good stead as I take this role.”
“KZN Cricket has certainly been in a good space in the past few years. Not only has the performances of the Dolphins team improved but cricket activities, administration and good governance are areas we worked hard on which saw KZN being the number one affiliate in South Africa.”
“As President, my priority will be to maintain the good we have achieved and thereafter look to improve on aspects that can be improved.”
Bobat is an administrator that has a rich cricketing history which should stand him in good stead throughout his tenure at the helm of KZN Cricket.
“I am passionate about cricket as it has been part of my life for over 35 years, firstly playing the sport to then moving into administration.
“When Durban & Districts merged with Tongaat and Verulam cricket unions to form Ethewini Metro Cricket Union, I was elected as its President.”
“In the time of apartheid under the Natal Cricket Board (NCB), I achieved my colours for Natal U16, SA U16, Natal High schools, Natal B side and the Natal A side.”
“Post-apartheid I achieved my colours for Natal Colts U21, Natal B and Natal A action cricket team,” Bobat added.
Having struck up a relationship with CEO Heinrich Strydom as the convenor of selectors for the Hollywoodbets Dolphins, the pair understand each other and Strydom is looking forward to building that relationship.
“Mr Bobat has been an important part of our recent on-field success, whilst he has also played an important role off the field as chairman of the cricket committee.” Strydom said.
“To have a person that understands the systems in place but also has fresh ideas and opinions will help us continue to improve and create a healthy environment for everyone in the Dolphins family.”
“We thank Mr Govender for his service in the role of president of the union through a difficult period after Mr Ben Dladla’s passing.”
