Staff Reporter
The Veterans Cricket Association of Namibia (VCAN) has announced its participation in the inaugural Over 40s Africa Cup tournament in Pretoria, South Africa, from 26 November to 1 December.
In a media statement provided by Cricket Namibia to this publication, Nicolaas Buys will captain the team consisting of 13 players, 40 years and older, who still actively play club cricket in Namibia and South Africa.
“We want to be really competitive and grow as a team during the Africa Cup, as this is a build-up for us towards the Over 40s World Cup in Cape Town next year,” Buys said.
The team is coached by Norbet Manyande, who has previously coached the Namibian U/19 team and the VCAN’s Over 50s team at this year’s World Cup.
“We have a good group of players and should raise the Namibian flag high,” said Manyande.
Johan Nel, a player of the Over 40s Namibia Africa Cup team, stated that the team has gained exceptional knowledge of the game through years of playing.
“Veterans Cricket promotes a healthy and fun lifestyle for the cricketers who are no longer able to move as freely as they used to whilst still being able to compete against fellow cricketers,” he said.
Chairman of the VCAN, Louis Nortje said Veterans Cricket creates a larger player base in Namibia, making the club leagues more competitive.
“The veteran players who have been to World Cups and played at higher levels are pushing the younger cricketers in Namibia to greater heights.”
One of the main challenges for the Over 40s team was getting a squad together and training as a team.
“We all come from different clubs and leagues, some residing in different countries. The guys are up for the challenge and looking forward to testing ourselves against the best teams,” said Buys.
“The challenge at the Africa Cup is going to be able to play four 45-over games in five days and to consistently match up with South Africa and Zimbabwe, who are test-playing countries and are both ranked above us,” Manyande added.
The Africa Cup and next year’s World Cup are self-funded, but it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance for most players.
The VCAN’s Over 40s team will participate in next year’s World Cup against countries like England, India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Australia.