Photo Credit: South African Cricketers’ Association
The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) held a successful AGM on 30 November 2022. Following the online AGM of 2021, players from around the country attended the AGM in person at the Radisson Red hotel in Cape Town.
Khaya Zondo was re-elected to the SACA Executive Committee (Exco), and was again nominated by the Exco, to serve a further two years as President. Tumi Sekhukhune was elected as the Proteas Women representative. They join Farhaan Behardien, Grant Thomson, and Dom Hendricks on the Exco, with Temba Bavuma being a co-opted Proteas Men member.
SACA Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Breetzke presented a report on the activities of SACA during 2022. Highlights included the progress made on the Transformation and Diversity initiatives, the finalisation of MOU22, and the new SA20 League. SACA awarded over 70 bursaries in the current financial year and the dual career initiatives for players are being further enhanced with new learning options for players in 2023. SACA continues to be at the forefront of research into cricket, being part of international research into the challenges facing women in sport.
In commenting on the discussions at the AGM, Breetzke stated; “2022 has been a year of consolidation in cricket following four years of crisis upon crisis. However, whilst we have entered a period of relative stability, there are major challenges facing cricket in South Africa and the world. Cricket South Africa faces significant financial challenges over the next year, and all stakeholders are going to have to work together to ensure that cricket is able to survive, and ultimately thrive. There is no place for political decision-making in such a scenario.
“Whilst the new SA20 League will add new revenue into cricket in South Africa, as well as playing opportunities for domestic players, members noted their concern at the health of domestic cricket in the country. To this end, a resolution was passed, charging the Exco with the task of reviewing the current state of domestic cricket. This review will look into a wide range of issues from training facilities, support structures, transport, accommodation, wickets, scheduling, playing standards, playing opportunity, umpiring and the like. The objective is for players to constructively engage on ensuring the domestic game improves and flourishes” concluded Breetzke.
Breetzke went on to thank the SACA Executive Committee, and Khaya Zondo in particular, for the ongoing commitment to SACA during 2022. SACA is the players’ and the work of the Exco in providing direction to SACA is critical.
“Over the past year, SACA has again provided extensive support to all players. The well-being of players is at the core of the SACA service, and we are proud that year on year we are able to extend and improve these services – the SACA team continues to do excellent work” commented SACA President Khaya Zondo.
