ST ALBAN’S COLLEGE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS’ CRICKET FESTIVAL

HEADMASTER’S WELCOME

The Independent Schools’ Cricket Festival continues to be a highlight on the Independent Schools’ sporting calendar, and it is always a pleasure to welcome staff, parents and boys to the St Alban’s campus.
Thanks also goes to Anton Ferreira, the festival organiser, Barry Detert, our Director of Cricket and Garth Turvey our Director of Sport, for their passion and organisation for this event. The fact that our fields and gardens are in such good shape, despite the significant amount of rain we have experienced, 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.

There are several staff members and cricket coaches from schools who have attended this festival over many years who have legendary status as a result of their commitment to the game of cricket and more particularly to this very special cricket festival. We would like to pay tribute to two schoolmasters from Kearsney College who have attended over 20 of these festivals over the years. Andre van Zyl, and Peter Kirsten have not only been committed to cricket at Kearsney but have been instrumental in keeping the love of cricket alive at this particular festival and we are most grateful to them for their commitment and love for the game. We wish them all the very best as they consider their retirement years.

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