5 minute read
The Rising Success of Cricket in Namibia
ON A WINNING WICKET
In recent years, cricket in Namibia has undergone a remarkable transformation, marked by the unprecedented success of the national men’s team. Kirsty Watermeyer had the privilege of sitting down with Pierre De Bruyn, coach for Cricket Namibia, and Gerhard Erasmus, Captain of the national men’s team, to delve into the factors driving this upward trajectory and the dedication fueling the team's journey.
Success in cricket, as aptly described by Pierre De Bruyn, is unequivocally tied to winning games. The statistics speak volumes: a T20 international record boasting a 68% win rate and an ODI record with an impressive 57% winning percentage over the past five years. This string of victories has not only bolstered support within Namibia but has also garnered global respect, positioning the Namibian national men’s side as a force to watch on the international stage.
THE JOURNEY TO SUCCESS
Behind the triumph lies sacrifice and unwavering dedication. Gerhard Erasmus sheds light on what happens off the pitch, from missed family gatherings to the toll of exhaustive travel schedules. The immense mental fortitude demanded of players as they navigate the pressures of performance and the relentless grind of elite competition cannot be understated. As Gerhard explains, “It’s expected that in any elite sport, you will be under pressure, and so it’s really about how you deal with that pressure.” This underscores that success in the sport is not solely reliant on physical prowess but also on the mental fitness required of a player. Pierre echoes these sentiments by explaining that the coaching staff place significant emphasis on maintaining the mental well-being of the players.
The journey to success extends far beyond the limelight of match days, as both coach and captain emphasise the rigorous training regimens and the meticulous attention to physical and mental conditioning. The behind-the-scenes efforts, from late-night training sessions to the strategic management of player workload, lay the groundwork for the team's stellar performances on the field.
GROWING CRICKET PROFESSIONALS
An impressive spin-off of Cricket Namibia's success is the ability to now truly invest in players. Pierre explains that they now have full-time contracts with players. This means monthly salaries for professionals, which signifies that today there is a viable career path in cricket.
This wasn’t the case in the past. Pierre further explains that this extends to both men and women, as ten fulltime cricket contracts were recently awarded to Namibian women cricket players. Moreover, to grow the sport, Cricket Namibia has been proactive in promoting the sport at the grassroots level, enhancing the quality of cricket education, and expanding the player base across the country.
THE FUTURE OF CRICKET IN NAMIBIA
The future looks promising for Namibian cricket. With Namibia set to host significant ICC events in the coming years, the sport is expected to receive a substantial boost — infrastructure improvements, increased funding, and greater international exposure. According to Gerhard, “We’ve built this small legacy over the last five years, of which we can be very proud. We've secured funding to build our own cricket stadium. It's so exciting for us as players to see. It is a defining moment for Cricket Namibia and the legacy of cricket in Namibia. We're going to have our own stadium hosting the Under 19 World Cup in 2026, and co-hosting a men's World Cup in 2027. And if you told someone that 10 years ago, they wouldn't have believed you.”
What’s more, regular participation in World Cups gives the players a platform to shine against the best in the world, enhancing their careers and the profile of Namibian cricket.
THE WORLD CUP
The 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup is set to ignite cricketing fervour across the globe, scheduled to be co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States from 1 to 29 June. Talking about the World Cup, Pierre notes that they “beat Sri Lanka in the previous World Cup, which was a huge upset in T20 cricket. So we’re hoping for another opportunity to rattle a few cages, and the first two games are going to be critical for us.”
When asked how the fans can support them at the World Cup this year, Gerhard, who is widely regarded as the most successful Captain this country has ever had, notes that they appreciate their fans dearly. “Everyone is quite close to our hearts in Namibia. It's a small community, and we've always felt that connection with the people. I remember the night we beat Sri Lanka, I was up so late on my phone because so many people sent me videos. Those things don't go unseen. They definitely are moments that inspire you to do more and be better.”
The success story of cricket in Namibia is not just about the trophies and accolades; it's about resilience, determination, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence. As the team continues to reach new heights, their journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of sport.
CATCH NAMIBIA’S T20 WORLD CUP GAMES ON SUPERSPORT
3 June - vs Oman at 2:30
6 June - vs Scotland at 21:00
12 June - vs Australia at 2:30
15 June - vs England at 19:00
