Border Cricket

new professional team

The CSA Members Council approved, on 29 December 2020, the Dave Richardson Steering Committee recommendation to restructure the South African domestic professional cricket structure. Based on this recommendation all CSA Affiliate Members were required to enter into a Bid process to determine the Members, which would make up Divisions 1 and 2 for the first two years of the new domestic structure after which a promotion and relegation system will determine the Division 1 Teams for each following year. Border unfortunately ended up in Division 2, however we seek to put in place an operational and performance strategy aimed at, not only for Border Cricket to get promoted into Division 2 as soon as possible but to ensure it stays in Division 1 as long as it remains operationally excellent.

new brand

Therefore, we would like to introduce the new rebranding of the Border Professional team to
the
Eastern Cape Iinyathi”.

CREATIVE RATIONALE FOR THE NEW NAME

The name and icon of the proposed new team logo is based on the African or Cape Buffalo which has strong symbolism and history.

Buffaloes are one of the Big 5, which came about from an old hunter’s term given to the five most dangerous animals in Africa.   Buffaloes (Inyathis) have few predators and are not easily caught even by predators such as lions.  Buffaloes does tend to run away, but group together to stand their ground in an effort to defend each other.  They have a cunning nature and represent individual strength but are even stronger when united as a team.   The characteristic feature of the horns of adult male forms a shield referred to as a “boss”.  This is very hard and protects the head during dominance interactions and sparring. 

Apart from being notorius for their power and strength,  Buffaloes are gregarious, sociable animals living in herds which are representational of the community.  The region is well known for a genium sense of hospitality and laid back lifestyle.

The home of Border Cricket and home of the proposed new team is the aptly named Buffalo City Metropolitan.  The name Buffalo is deeply routed in the history of the region.  By the mid-1850’s a village had developed around the Buffalo River and a port, known as Fort Buffalo, was built on the west bank of the river.  The city was named East London and more recently renamed Buffalo City which incorporated a wider region and community.

Coincidentlly the word “Buffaloes” incorparates the word “Aloes” which is also a very strong iconic symbol in the region.  Aloes are plants indigenous to the region and very hardy, and can withstand drought.   The aloe symbolism is subtly incorporated into the design with the use of the orange colour and shape of the aloe flower stem.  This also symbolises a team that is strong and can weather extreme conditions. 

Our contracted players include experience and youth, and include:

1
Marais, Marco
2
Fojela, Phaphama
3
Niemand, Jason
4
Van Heerden, Joshua
5
Peters, Gideon
6
Kaber, Thomas
7
Yikha, Nonelela
8
Nqolo, Jerry
9
Bosch, Clayton
10
Malika, Mncedisi
11
Jade De Klerk
12
Joshua Dodd (Rookie)
13
Sinovuyo Ntuntwana (Rookie)

our players

The Coaching Team is as follows:

Paul Adams (Head Coach) As a coach, he has been the Head Coach of a South African domestic franchise in all three formats of the game, winning five domestic trophies in that role.  He has also worked as a coach with the South Africa ‘A’ and a Spin Bowling Consultant for Cricket South Africa.  

He has achieved a CSA Level 4 Coaching qualification, has a proven record of coaching elite teams and players, as well as a deep understanding of international and first-class cricket demands. 

 

Tumelo Bodibe (Assistant Coach)

A former cricketer at the Knights and Titans and Assistant coach of Easterns Cricket from 2018 – 2020.  A qualified level 3 coach with all the passion and commitment to help make a difference at Border Cricket.

 

Shannon Graham – Our Strength & Conditioning Coach

 

Anelisiwe Mntambo – Physiotherapist