Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Former Proteas fast bowler Mfuneko Ngam is encouraged by the quality he sees in South Africa right now.
Known for his raw pace before a career-ending injury cut short his international career, Ngam has been working closely with Cricket South Africa (CSA) in a development capacity and he has spent the best part of the past decade running the Fort Hare Academy in the Eastern Cape.
Ngam has just recently completed a nationwide tour that he has seen him travel to disadvantaged areas, in partnership with Audi, to facilitate coaching clinics and identify young, promising talent.
"What I found in each province never wavered – reams of talented, young, fast bowlers with the skill and drive to potentially forge careers for themselves out of cricket," Ngama said.
"I could never have imagined the extent of fast bowling talent lying in wait – ready to prove their abilities.
"Cricket development, particularly in fast bowling, is not only my job but it is my passion.
"After having my national career cut short because of injury, I have made it my life’s mission to work with CSA to ensure young cricketers from similar backgrounds as mine are given the coaching and guidance they need, so that they can have the best shot at achieving their dreams."
Ngam was hopeful that this initiative and others like it would help CSA uncover future stars.
"The results of this initiative don’t only include opportunities for talented individuals but will also foster a broader talent pool for CSA to work with," he said.
"South Africa has a legacy of world class, fast bowlers. The likes of Ntini, Pollock, Donald, Steyn, Rabada and Philander have been recent custodians of this legacy.
"There is now hope that one of the youngsters we encountered over the past month will continue to carry out this great tradition."
