Moeketsane’s mini-cricket work earns SA Sports Awards nomination

Puleng Moeketsane’s work with mini-cricket has earned her a nomination for Volunteer of the Year at the SA Sports Awards. The 68-year-old is recognised for helping young children begin their sporting journey through the programme.

Moeketsane is one of three finalists in the category. She is competing against Nqobile Qabukile Kunene from horse racing and Moenyane Clementia from roller sport, making it one of the awards’ most competitive sections.

The ceremony is scheduled for tomorrow night at Sun City in the North West. Moeketsane said her nomination has brought her considerable excitement after many years of service in mini-cricket.

Her involvement centres on introducing the sport at creches and pre-schools. She coordinates activities across different creches and works with a committee and coaches to organise opportunities for the children.

For Moeketsane, the enjoyment of the children remains the main reason she continues volunteering. She considers mini-cricket a sport built around play and said watching children take part keeps her committed to the work.

The role also brings practical difficulties. Moeketsane said volunteers sometimes need to attend meetings in places such as Benoni without having money for the journey, while still feeling obliged to make the effort because of their commitment to the sport.

She has called on Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie to support volunteers by helping bring more children into mini-cricket and providing the equipment needed for them to develop. Her aim is for the programme to give more young players a chance to progress through sport.