Photo Credit: Cricket South Africa
Free State Cricket Union (FSCU) last night hosted their 129th Annual General Meeting (AGM) via Microsoft Teams.
The President, Mr Xander Snyders, welcomed everyone, with special recognition to the Board of Directors, Members Council, Staff, auditors PWC and Sponsors.
After the confirmation of the agenda, notice of meeting and adoption of the minutes the President continued with his annual Report.
“Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen, stakeholders and honoured guests, it’s an honour and privilege for me to present the Annual Report of Free State Cricket for the season of 2020/2021. It needs to be noted that the season ended on 30 April 2021 with us still under Covid-19 regulations and limitations.
“I think it is only appropriate to firstly pay tribute to all of those who lost a family member, friend or colleague due to the Covid-19 pandemic, may their souls rest in eternal peace.
“Unfortunately, only limited cricket and related activities were allowed during the season due to Covid-19. Activities on the field as well as off the field and cricket administration were compromised in these difficult times. We are grateful for the cricket activities that materialised under stringent Covid-19 regulations and protocols.
“Covid-19 also prevented FSCU from hosting several tournaments as well as an England ODI in 2020 which had a huge negative impact on our financials. All awards were done on a virtual platform to conform to Covid-19 regulations. The new normal, Virtual Awards, was effective and done professionally recognising and acknowledging all the players and administrators who performed through the season.”
Highlights/Achievements during 2020-2021 Season
- FSCU Provincial Senior Women’s team ended second in Oudtshoorn Bio- Bubble matches held in March 2021.
- Annerie Dercksen was selected for SA Emerging squad touring Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.
- FSCU started an Academy for girls. The girls practise on Friday afternoons at Mangaung Oval. FSCU is the first province to introduce a Girls Academy.
- Lerato Nqoyi and Reeza Alexander represented the Knights Franchise Cubs at Stellenbosch.
- Marco de Kock, an Academy player, and Lerato Nqoyi from the U/19s made their debut for the Senior Provincial Team in a bio-bubble in the Bloemfontein pool of matches.
Due to Covid-19, our professional side played in the following competitions of CSA:
CSA 4-Day Domestic Series
The Knights came second in their pool. Patrick Botha was elevated to the Knights due to his performance.
Momentum One-Day Cup played in North West in a bio-secure environment
Played 4 matches
Lost 1
No Result 3
The following players were selected as part of the VKB Knights team from the FSCU Amateur team, however they could not participate due to the limited matches that were played.
Patrick Botha
Neelan van Heerden
Johan van Dyk
Pheko Moletsane
Sean Whitehead
Betway T20 Challenge took place in Durban in a bio-secure environment
Played 5
Won 1
Lost 4
Ended 5th on the overall log
FSCU is proud to congratulate the players that received national call-ups, we cannot wait to see them in future in green and gold.
Jacques Snyman
Pite van Biljon
Mighael Pretorius
Raynard van Tonder
Indian Premier League (T20)
Gerald Coetzee – Rajasthan Royals
Caribbean Premier League (T20)
Mighael Pretorius – Jamaican Talawars
Congratulations to all that performed and achieved the highest level in a difficult season, you made FSCU proud.
Special Tributes
“Unfortunately for FSCU, women’s provincial player Michelle Botha and her husband, Gawie Botha, who was a National Panel Umpire, departed to Abu Dhabi. FSCU wish them the best in their future endeavours.
“FSCU also want to extend a word of appreciation to Romano Terblanche who has retired. Romano played in all levels of cricket in the Free State and at the franchise. He played for 14 years, a total of 274 matches across all formats. Thank you, Romano, for your commitment and passion for cricket.
Cricket South Africa
“The 2020/2021 season will most probably be known as a controversial and difficult year for CSA. The Fundudzi report was revealed to the public and all Government platforms in 2020, which led the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture to initiate an Interim Board to implement seven pillars of the Fundudzi report. The Fundudzi report caused huge damage to the reputation of CSA and the game in the media and it was crucified for bad governance and financial management.
“I am delighted to say that all the fundamental concerns in the Fundudzi report were ironed out including the MOI. CSA can now concentrate on promoting the game that we all love. The CSA AGM was scheduled for 12 June 2021 and FSCU would like to congratulate all the new appointments. A special word of encouragement goes to President Mr Rihan Richards and Board Chairperson Mr Lawson Naidoo. FSCU wish them a very successful term in very testing circumstances.
Sub Unions & Cricket in General
“FSCU want to acknowledge the Sub-Unions’ efforts, commitments and passion for the game. We definitely need to review structures to ensure that all resources are applied efficiently to produce sufficient facilities that conform to the required standards and develop cricket in all areas and levels. Financial constraints will definitely pose a challenge in future, therefore we need to work hard to ensure all clubs become financially independent through securing revenue. It is my personal opinion that development clubs also need to be empowered to function independently.
“FSCU is proud to be associated with our sponsors that have played a significant role in the wellbeing of cricket. I want to thank VKB for the past seven years for their relationship that went beyond the playing fields.
“Let me also acknowledge and appreciate the overwhelming support of our sponsors through the past season, namely VKB, Magnifisan, SA Breweries, Distell, Twizza, Avis, OFM and Human Motors. Without your support in a struggling economy we wouldn’t have made it. Sadly, Avis decided after fifteen years not to continue with their sponsorship. FSCU also want to welcome the new sponsors into the Free State Cricket family, we cannot wait for the new season working together to build our brand and game that we love.
“FSCU also wants to thank the media for their important contribution towards cricket throughout the year.
“As has been the case in the past, finance will always be a challenge especially with a South African economy under pressure. The 2021/2022 season will not be different, the hosting of international games, domestic tournaments and the attainment of new revenues will be integral to the wellbeing of FSCU. New sponsors will play a fundamental role in the wellbeing of FSCU in these trying times.
“We are excited going into a new domestic season of cricket where FSCU will be playing at the top level under its own identity for the first time since the inception of franchises. We are playing in the new domestic structure in Division 1. Our team, the Knights, will also be fitted out with a new logo and play in dominantly orange clothing. The Knights team compilation is a combination of experience and youth, and we cannot wait to see the Orange Machine in action under the leadership of our captain, Pite Van Biljon.
“In conclusion, I want to thank the Board of Directors, Members Council, players, technical officials and personnel for the healthy relationship in taking forward the organisation, their hard work and commitment through the season. I want to thank the CEO, Johan Van Heerden, and his team for their perseverance, support and crucial role they performed throughout the season. Together we can only build the FSCU brand to become one of the best Cricket Unions in South Africa.
“Lastly, I would like to thank my family for being patient and the unconditional support through the season. I thank you.”
The annual financial statement will be finalised by the auditors by next week, thus the Income and Balance Sheets were presented by FSCU Treasurers Mr. Jeff Mosala and accepted by the board.
Presentation of the Affiliate reports are referred to the AGM Booklet.
Mr Snyders closed the 129th Annual General Meeting by thanking all for the past season and hoping that the new season will bring more opportunities to play cricket.
The link to the FSCU AGM 2020 2021 Booklet: https://bit.ly/3yDdSW7.
