Glenwood House produces first class cricketers

In recognition of their fine performances in the Coca-Cola® T20 School Challenge, three cricketers from Glenwood House College, George, Eastern Cape, have been awarded with a special commemorative cap and a certificate marking their great achievements.

Coca-Cola® South Africa and Cricket South Africa (CSA) grant this honour to players who excel in the competition.  Gary Wagner, scored 116 runs against a SWD development team, Jean Du Plessis scored 80 runs not out and Richard Papenfus 89 not out, both against Parkdene High School. 

Director of Cricket, Danie Oosthuizen, is proud of the boys, who are members of the team that has won all 7 games played in the tournament to date, ending the year on a high, beating Uniondale High school by 10 wickets. “Last year we were knockout out in the quarterfinals against Oakhill, but we are a different team this year.  Our next game is in January against Oudtshoorn High School.

Sixteen-year-old Grade 11 cricketer, Gary, bats at number 5 and is the opening bowler.  Oosthuizen describes him as a gifted sportsman as he plays first team cricket and rugby and is a fine athlete.  “He is dedicated, determined and an excellent leader, which is why he has been made deputy head boy next year.  He is also an above average academic and is destined to do well in life.”

Opening batsman and wicket keeper, 15 year old Grade 9 cricketer, Jean Du Plessis, is one of the seven youngsters in the team.  “He is determined, never misses training and I am very pleased he received this recognition as has shown incredible growth in the past year and this proves to him that hard work pays off,” says Oosthuizen.  “He has great potential and, if he keeps this up, I see him playing provincial cricket one day.”

Batsman and bowler, Richard Papenfus, is also 15 years old and in Grade 9 and has been described as the joker of the team.  “He enjoys life, is smart and extremely helpful and deserves to be recognized.  Acknowledging excellence is the best motivation anyone can ever get and I comment Coca-Cola® and Cricket South Africa for introducing this initiative” 

Papenfus is an all rounder as he is also an excellent golfer and plays first team rugby.

The Coca-Cola® T20 Schools Challenge is about making heroes, explains Fetsi Mbele, Coca-Cola South Africa Marketing Assets Manager. “This grass roots tournament is where heroes are unearthed and then progress through to the Coca-Cola® Khaya Majola Cricket Week, an annual tournament, sponsored by Coca-Cola South Africa for over 30 years. It has to date produced over 200 Proteas players.”