ST ALBAN’S COLLEGE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS’ CRICKET FESTIVAL

HEADMASTER’S WELCOME

The Independent Schools’ Cricket Festival has become a fixture on the Independent Schools’ sporting calendar, and it is always a pleasure to welcome staff, parents and boys to the St Alban’s campus. 

Our 1st XI cricket field, the TC Mitchell Oval has been named as one of the most picturesque cricket ovals in South Africa. Situated at the foot of the koppie and surrounded by indigenous bushveld, it is an absolute pleasure to play and watch cricket at this beautiful venue and it is a privilege to, once again, welcome all the participating sides and fellow schools from around the country. The rivalry, collegiality and camaraderie displayed over many years at this Festival, which has been around for over 30 years, reverberates through the decades and it is always a pleasure to welcome all the participating schools, particularly the founder schools as we celebrate the wonderful game of cricket. There is a rich legacy of competitive sportsmanship and positive interaction over a long period of time, and it is always a privilege to welcome old friends, staff, particularly those who have attended and supported this Festival for several years, parents and boys to our beautiful campus.  

We are delighted that many parents have travelled from around the country to join their sons and we sincerely hope that you will enjoy all that Pretoria has to offer. Please take advantage of our hospitality, relax and enjoy yourselves and do not hesitate to ask our staff or boys should you have any queries or require any assistance. The Anton Murray Pavilion is there to be used at your convenience as is the Tom Hamilton Wellness Centre, where you can get an early morning cup of coffee from our very own Barista, Lawrence Mthombeni, or Shorty to those who have visited before.

It has been wonderful to welcome Barry Detert back to the College as our Director of Cricket, and he has already had a profound effect on the way we do things at St Alban’s. Barry first stepped onto the St Alban’s campus as a schoolboy in the eighties and it is a pleasure to have him back in a formal capacity on the staff at the College. Barry can be seen throwing cricket balls in the nets on the Oval most evenings and his love of the game continues to build the legacy of those who have gone before him in this position.

Our appreciation is also extended to Anton Ferreira, the Festival Organizer, and Garth Turvey, our Director of Sport, for their passion and organisation of this event. The fact that our fields and gardens are in such good shape is a tribute to our Grounds Manager, Mr John Nkuna, who himself played in this Festival on two occasions while a schoolboy here, over a decade ago. 

Enjoy the highveld sunshine, enjoy the collegiality that this Festival is known for and enjoy the competitiveness on the field and the relationships and friendships you build as the Festival unfolds.