Amateur cricket's sponsorship boost

The United Cricket Board of South Africa has scored a major boost for amateur cricket by securing a sponsorship by SA Airways for both the inter-provincial and associate regions' leagues that were launched last season for three and one-day cricket.

Gerald Majola, the chief executive, described the sponsorship as a breakthrough for South African cricket. "This is the first major sponsorship of its kind in South African cricket. It is an integral part of our strategic plan to broaden the base and sharpen the pinnacle of our cricket.

"It will be used to fund the UCBSA inter-provincial leagues for three-day and one-day cricket that were successfully launched last season, with all 11 UCBSA Affiliates and the five new Associates participating. The SAA sponsorship means that we can provide even more cricket for top amateur players. It will be a breeding ground for franchise and international cricket.

Majola added that this grass-roots funding would have benefits right the way up the South African domestic system. "We have linked high-performance programmes to these amateur competitions to give a clear path for those who have the talent and commitment to go to the top.

"The SAA sponsorship will also go a long way to help us keep up the traditions of provincial pride and identity through the leagues. We are very grateful to SAA for giving cricket yet another meaningful stepping stone towards nation-building."

Nozipho Japhta, SA Airways Executive Manager: Corporate Sponsorship, said: "South African cricket is a major nation-builder, and SAA is delighted to be part of their development programme. We are supporting amateur cricket because it is the feeder for the national teams of the future."