Heroes made at Coca-Cola® T20 Schools Cricket Challenge

Grey College, Bloemfontein, batsmen, Reinhard Bezuidenhoud and Wian van Zyl were recognised as outstanding achievers in the Coca-Cola® T20 School Challenge.  Reinhard managed an impressive 115 not out against Richardtpark Sekondêre Skool and Wian scored 75 not out against the Centre of Excellence.

Coca-Cola® South Africa and Cricket South Africa (CSA) grant this honour to players who excel in the competition and they are awarded a special commemorative cap and a certificate marking the occasion.

Both pupils are now in Grade 12 and both see themselves playing cricket next year, although not professionally.  “Both are dedicated hard working players which is why they achieved this great honour from Coca-Cola®,” said Andre Bester, Master of Cricket.  “Besides their hard work they both have great attitudes on and off the field.  They have made Grey College proud.”

Reinhard was selected to attend the 2013 Free State Coca-Cola® Khaya Majola Cricket Week trials but fell ill and could not attend.  “He was extremely disappointed as it is every cricketers dream to play in the tournament, but receiving this award has made up for it,” said Bester

Both Grey A and B teams are still in the Coca-Cola® T20 Schools Challenge with one more match to play before the finals. “Both teams have tough matches ahead of them,” said Bester.  “The A team will play against Voortrekker Bethlehem and the B team will meet Goudveld. Interestingly, if they both win their matches they will play against each other in the final on 21 February.”

Preparations are coming on well for the Bloemfontein School.  “We have knocked out Welkom and St Andrews, both very good cricket playing schools and we practice most days so we are ready for the next phase of the Coca-Cola® T20 Schools Challenge.”

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.”