By Morissa Lindsay
A talented Barbados cricket team will tour and compete in seven T20s and three One-Day fixtures in South Africa as part of that country’s initiative to develop the sport and unearth talent.
Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Charles Griffith, met with the team led by captain Nimar Bolden this morning at the ministry’s office located in Sky Mall, Haggatt Hall, to wish them well on the June 29 to July 13 tour scheduled for the Pretoria University.
“All of you are fortunate because there are a lot of cricketers on the island and you are the ones selected to represent us at this competition in South Africa. One of the things I am hoping you do is personal best, now that may seem strange because we normally associate personal bests with track and field and other sports where there is timing. But if you as a cricketer do PBs (personal bests) if you are a batter while on tour then you have contributed to the collective.
“Don’t take this opportunity lightly, you are representing your country and it is not everybody that is involved in sports that can say at some point in time that I represented my country. I know from history a lot of persons who were in the Under-19 team, graduated to the national team and would have gone on to represent the West Indies team. I don’t have to tell you there is a lot of finance involved in the process but at this stage, it cannot be about money, it is about the country, it is about you going on the field and doing your best as a team collectively,” Griffith said.
The Minister added: “The fact that you are going to South Africa, this cannot be just about sports but look to cement friendships when you go into South Africa. You will play against other team members, so when you go on the field lay with all the passion that is required to win the game but off the field you must ensure that you make friendships that will last forever.
“You know the situation with [Sir] Viv Richards and [Sir Ian] Botham in terms of how tight they are but they were fierce when they compßeted. So, I need you to also see that you can be fierce in competition but try to make friendships when you get to South Africa because these are things that will last a lifetime. Again, I salute you for making the team because your skill set was one that stands out.”
The team comprises16 players inclusive of three officials, coach Norman Puckerin, manager Lana Nurse and Carl Tuckett as the assistant coach.
Acting permanent secretary Anthony Wiltshire also
joined in to wish the team well and told them to grasp
this opportunity – which for many of them may be once in their lifetime – with both hands. He also encouraged them to learn about the country and especially the history given it is the home to the iconic and late South African President Nelson Mandela.
Coach Norman Puckerin stated that Barbados was invited to be part of the tournament and compete because the organisers recognised the potential and talent of cricketers in the country. He also made special mention of Virgin Atlantic for providing the team with an excellent group rate while accommodation and meals will be provided for by the organisers.
The Barbados team on their way to South Africa will in transit in England where former Barbados and West Indies fast bowler Joel Garner will host the side. They are also expected to visit Lord’s Cricket Ground which for many of the players will be a first.
Acting director of the National Sports Council Emerson Bascombe encouraged the players to walk with a road tennis racquet in an effort to promote Barbados’ indigenous sport while in South Africa.
Sports Dßevelopment Officer in the Ministry of Youth, Family and Sports, Stephen Rowe, during his brief remarks stated that excellence breeds excellence and added; “You are going off to South Africa and you are going to get the opportunity to view Lord’s, those are opportunities that a number of other Barbadians athletes will aspire to.”
Squad: Nimar Bolden (captain), Rivaldo Clarke (vice-captain), Dalvin Bennett, Carlon Bowen-Tuckett, Giovonte Depeiza, Shamario Depeiza, Tremaine Dowrich, Tariq O’neale, Jakeem Forde, Nathan Roett, Coshon Scott, Dakio Worrell, Raneico Smith, Micah Greenidge, Vickram Dhanraj, Zachary Jodah; Norman Puckerin (Head Coach), Carl Tuckett (asst coach), Lana Nurse(manager), Joel Garner (Ambassador)
(morissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb)
