Heroes made at Coco-Cola T20 Schools Cricket Challenge

Dale College’s captain, batsman and wicket keeper, Yamkela Oliphant, was recognised as an outstanding achiever in the Coca-Cola® T20 School Challenge after managing 112 runs not out against Mzontsundu Senior Secondary School in King Williams Town, Eastern Cape.

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.

Director of Sports, Mr K.J. Friend, was full of praise for Yamkela.  “He is a born leader and well respected by the other members of the team and this award has inspired and motivated him to not just continue, but improve his cricket.”

Yamkela plays first team rugby and cricket, but Friend is hoping his loyalties will remain on the cricket field.  “I see him playing for South Africa in the years to come,” said Friend.  “He has already competed in the 2012 and 2013 Coca-Cola® Khaya Majola Cricket Weeks and will definitely be back again this year.”

Dale College was knocked out of this season’s Coca-Cola® T20 Schools Challenge.  “Healdtown Comprehensive School beat us by 20 runs in this year’s tournament, but we are already putting strategies in place for the 2014/15 cricket season and we will hopefully do better,” said Friend.

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.”