On Saturday, 5th July 2025, the CATCH Trust Coaches Academy marked a significant milestone with a special graduation ceremony for the first cohort of coaches. The celebration recognized individuals who completed a series of workshops focused on the fundamentals of cricket, leadership and mentoring, as well as the psychological and mental aspects of coaching young players.
The event kicked off with Lusindiso Malilwana, Head of Cricket Programmes and Operations at CATCH Trust, who opened the ceremony by expressing deep gratitude to the partners who made the programme possible. “None of what we have achieved would be possible without the incredible support from our partners,” he shared.
This inaugural cohort reached over 25 coaches — a significant achievement within township communities where such development opportunities are often limited. Among them were several female coaches who successfully earned their CoachED Level 1 Coaching Certificate, signaling a powerful move in the right direction towards gender inclusivity and equal opportunity in sport.
CATCH Trust Board Member and Trustee, Gary Kirsten, who is also the Co-founder of CoachED Cricket, attended the graduation and delivered words of encouragement.
“Congratulations on completing the course. It’s a detailed programme, so well done. I’m really impressed with the level of commitment shown, and I hope the skills you’ve gained will make a meaningful impact as you mentor the next generation of cricketers.”
One of the graduates reflected on their journey through the programme:
“Now that I’ve completed my CoachED Level 1 course, I feel excited. It wasn’t easy at first, but I’ve learnt so much about teaching the fundamentals to junior cricketers. I currently coach U10s to U13s, so the knowledge I’ve gained will definitely be put to use.”
A special thank you goes out to Bat For A Chance for their generous sponsorship and funding of the programme. Their support has played a crucial role in equipping coaches with the tools they need to grow, learn, and lead within the cricketing space.
As we celebrate the success of this first cohort, we look ahead with excitement — the next group of aspiring coaches will be starting their journey soon.
Stay connected with us for updates and stories from the ground as we continue to build strong foundations for cricket development through the CATCH Trust Coaches Academy.
