Date-stamped : 25 Feb97 - 18:15 24 February 1997 Cricket Bowls Over The Youth Of Soweto By Fikile-Ntsikelelo Moya Empty tomato crates have replaced piles of bricks in the streets of Soweto. Tennis balls, long used as Soccer balls, have found new uses. Sticks and planks are used for fun, not fights. Cricket has Soweto for a six. It is clear that the game is not a passing fad inspired by the recent international tours. For several months now, cricket has been a feature of township streets. Not yet as popular as soccer, there are signs that it is catching on. "I like cricket more than soccer," says Lerato Monareng (13) of Rockville, who has been playing cricket since 1995. His passion for the game was fuelled further when South Afri- can cricket captain Hansie Cronje visited their school last year. Today Lerato plays for his school team every Wednesday and Saturday. "We use tennis balls because the guys are scared of cricket balls," he says. It is a real fear because the hard ball can seriously injure the youngsters, who cannot afford pads and other protective gear. Because cricket is played on the streets or back yards new rules have to be made. "When a player hits the ball into a yard, he is out," says Lerato. "That ensures that we do not break windows by playing wild shots." Soweto Cricket Club chairman Reuben Tseladimitlwa explains why youngsters have been bowled over by the game. "Our development programme runs throughout the year, despite cricket being a summer sport," he says. Another thing motivating them to take up the sport is that gifted players are awarded bur- saries to study at traditionally strong cricket schools such as St Stithians, King Edward and Parktown Boys. Also, the SCC is on the verge of playing in the Transvaal premier league, thereby making it`s players eligible for selec- tion to the pro- vincial team. At present the SCC has 5 teams ranging from under-11 to under-19 age groups. They practice daily at Soweto`s only oval, in Rockville. About 30 school teams compete in various leagues, mostly with suburban schools. At this rate it is only a matter of time before the township produces it`s own Viv Richards or Brian Lara. Source :: The Star Contributed by Bob.Dubery (dauphin@aztec.co.za)