ORGANISER OF THE COCA-COLA KHAYA MAJOLA CRICKET CELEBRATES HIS 20 SEASON WITH THE TOURNAMENT AS WELL AS HIS 50TH BIRTHDAY

­Tomorrow (Tuesday) is Morgan Pillay’s 50^th birthday. The honorary organising secretary of the Coca-Cola Khaya Majola cricket week finds himself in Potchefstroom for the occasion - a long way from his family and home – but that’s the way it has been for the last 20 years in a row and hopes it’s going to be that way for a couple of years still.

December 18^th always falls in the middle of South Africa’s biggest schoolboy cricket tournament and Morgan has been passionately involved.  First he was part of the organising committee and 17 years ago was made the permanent organising secretary.

“It’s tough being away from home of course,” he says, “but I get to spend my birthday every year surrounded by the many great friends that I have made at this week and in the service of the youth, which is what I am really passionate about.”

Pillay is a Mathematics teacher by profession and is deeply involved in schools and youth cricket in the KwaZulu-Natal Inland region. He has been manager of the South African under-19 team every year since 1995 and, he says, nothing makes him happier than being involved with young people.

He also sees his ongoing service as a tribute to his great friend, the late Khaya Majola.

“Khaya always gave me 100% of his attention when I was with him and he gave me so much advice on both cricket and life. The Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Cricket Week is his living legacy and I am proud to be part of it,” he says.

Morgan Pillay is only the fourth organizing secretary since Coca-Cola came on board 34 years ago. His wish is to get to 21 years of service, but no-one here is betting against him celebrating his 60^th birthday at the Khaya Majola in 10 years time.