South Coast-born cricket star, Khalipha Cele, continues to inspire hope for South African cricket development with his ability to spot, educate and supervise emerging talent from a tender age.
Cele, 28, was included in the KwaZulu-Natal cricket team squad for the 2015 Africa T20 Cup. In September 2018, he was named in KwaZulu-Natal’s squad for the 2018 Africa T20 Cup. In September 2019, he was named in KwaZulu-Natal’s squad for the 2019-20 CSA Provincial T20 Cup.
He said his recent appointment as the Cricket South Africa Lead Scout in KwaZulu-Natal has motivated his long-term dream of giving back to the South Coast community through sharing his professional sporting experience with future stars. The former Northwood High School learner is a product of the South Coast branch Mini Cricket, currently known as the KFC Mini Cricket, which saw the birth of his remarkable career.
“I started coaching at the age of 18 years old while still playing as a youngster. Despite being a professional cricketer at the time, I always had the passion for giving back. Coaching was an avenue to make this dream a realisation. As a cricketer I was offered an opportunity to play in England during the 2019 Cricket World Cup. I met phenomenal individuals and it’s an experience I will forever cherish,” he said.
Cele added that as a coach, he enjoyed his time with the Northwood Under-14 A team of 2021, where they were placed third in the country.
“This eventful moment highlighted determination and team spirit displayed by my team. Getting news that I will be working with a larger group of youngsters and well-recognised coaches as the Cricket South Africa TAP Lead for KZN was a highlight that allowed me an opportunity to change lives, the same way mine was changed for the best,” he said.
