Northerns Titans 2000-01 preview

In the season ahead the Titans will 'sport' a new coach and captain, namely, Dave Nosworthy and Gerald Dros and I have every confidence that they will build upon that which transpired last season.

At this early stage of the season, Dave has impressed with his thorough, professional approach and excellent man management skills and the Titans squad members have already been 'called to duty' to undergo the rigours of pre-season training under the watchful eye of trainer, Robbie Walters.

We will be arranging an OPEN DAY on 16 September 2000 when the cricket fraternity can meet the full squad. An exciting programme is being compiled which will include group visits to the various facilities for a 'bird's eye view'. In similar vein, the Titans will be urged to actively partake in promotional campaigns at schools thus marketing themselves to the target market.

Whilst Dave has busied himself with the Titans, Chris van Noordwyk and Geoff Clarke have been involved with a squad of senior players of colour who are the fringe of selection to provincial squads and the twelve week intensive programme includes the psychological aspects of the game. Early predictions are exciting and most of the individuals concerned in the squad will no doubt be rewarded with selection to higher stations during the coming season.

As part of the Union' s 3-year Transformation Business Plan the Northerns Cricket Union Board adopted a new constitution at a recently held Special General Meeting which will allow for equal representation on the executive committee at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. This is indeed a milestone in the history of the Union. There are many projects within the 3-year business plan which depend largely on the availability of resources. The most pleasing aspect of one such project is the inclusion of all five previously disadvantaged areas into the premier club league with the necessary support systems in place. I have every confidence that said clubs will rise to the occasion and provide a few surprises along the way, just as Eersterust Cricket Club did last season when they won the First "B" league under the able Chairmanship of Brian Pritchard.

Another highlight and new venture in the youth programme is the introduction of the MTN, inner city' schools programme in the Sunnyside area. This is proving to be a very exciting concept as it provides opportunities for 5,000 children of colour within a 7km radius to play cricket.

A worrying aspect for cricket generally is, however, the downward trend in spectator attendance at especially, the Standard Bank matches. I trust the event sponsor's newly appointed marketing team, together with the UCBSA's marketing department, will be able to address the concerns which all provinces have as we prepare for the season ahead: Provincial Unions simply cannot justify large advertising budgets when many other pressing needs have to be met. In my opinion, it is somewhat of a 'chicken and egg' situation in that attendance would probably decline even further if little or no marketing is done. It is also evident that the private suite market is on a steady decline at stadia around the country but we are hopeful that the lure of the 2003 World Cup tournament will have the necessary affect on potential lessees.

The events of last season's rained out international matches are best forgotten and we look forward to hosting New Zealand in a day/night match in October 2000 and Sri Lanka in a Test match in January 2001. We have budgeted very positively for both matches and we sincerely trust that the recent cricket scandal will not impact negatively on attendance on home soil.

No capital stadium developments are planned for the coming season as we anticipate doing certain upgrades ahead of the 2003 World Cup in the two ensuing seasons.

A number of movements have occurred recently and are deserving of mention, namely, Richard Harrison, the President of Northerns Cricket Union, has been elected as Vice President of the UCBSA and Anton Ferreira has been appointed as Director of Coaching to the UCBSA.

Richard has served cricket in many capacities and his election is due recognition for his abilities as an astute administrator. Over the past five years Northerns Cricket has emerged its 'Cinderella' stages under his able leadership and guidance. I am sure his input at the UCBSA will be invaluable and we wish him every success.

Anton has also served cricket in many capacities and his recent past years at Northerns as Director of the Academy of Coaching will stand him in good stead in his new position. Anton (Yogi, as he is fondly known) pleasing and engaging disposition will leave a void at Northerns which will be difficult to replace. We are however pleased that such a profile individual will not be lost to cricket.

The executive committee, The Management team and staff will diligently carry out the Union' s business for the season ahead. However, in order to the meet budget constraints, financial discipline will be a key element to ensure that we operate on strict business principles.

The year ahead will require a realignment of resources and energies in order to sustain the existing programmes within our boundaries.

The Union is greatly indebted to our sponsors, Transnet, MTN, Bakers, PPC Cement, Canterbury of New Zealand, Lazaraus Ford, Adidas Eyewear, Powerade, South African Breweries, LG Electronics and Duncan Fearnley for their continued support of cricket in our jurisdiction.