Photo Credit: Cricket South Africa
It is with great sadness and sorrow that North West Cricket shares in the pain of the news of the passing of Mr Dirk Knoetze, a force in the development of cricket in the Khuma previously disadvantaged communities. By profession he worked for the Department of Correctional Services in Klerksdorp but his passion for cricket found him playing one of the most vital roles in the development of cricket in this area.
Mr Knoetze was the founder of Khuma Development Cricket, in partnership with the Klerksdorp Correctional Services in the 2008/09 season. With the objective being to nurture players in the previously disadvantaged communities. Dirk Knoetze was passionate about the development of cricket and worked tirelessly to produce great players, umpires, scorers, and administrators.
“Oupa Mongale and I as well as Kgothalo Moneoang are the products of this project. Along with many more other players that are currently involved in Club Cricket” said Rico Ramokhethi, Club and Facilities Coordinator at North West Cricket.
Mr Knoetze also played a major role in ensuring that the project was registered as a formal club and that it was affiliated with North West Cricket. He served as the Chairman of Women’s Cricket in the North West Sub-Committees between 2010 and 2013. NWC mourns the passing of a man who played
such a positive and incredibly impactful role in the development of Club Cricket, especially in the disadvantaged communities for both women and men’s teams.
“As NWC we want to send our deepest condolences to the Knoetze family, during this difficult time in their lives. We salute the efforts and contributions that Dirk Knoetze has played in cricket development in the township of Khuma and his passion for humanity. Ecclesiastes 3” said Solomon Meki (Acting CSM)
Dirk will be laid to rest this Saturday the 19th of November 2022 in Klerksdorp, Elleton at 11:00am at the NG Klerksdorp Suid Klerksdorp. NWC would like to express its sincere condolences to the loved ones of Mr Knoetze, as well as everyone who was connected to him and his work. May his soul rest in peace.
