On the evening of Youth day, 16 June 2017, Cape Coast Youth paid tribute to four residents of Hopefield for their contribution to youth development in the community.
After much positive feedback and “thank you” messages from the grateful community in our town, we (Cape Coast Youth) decided to continue with the initiative.
The group then decided to pay tribute to the founding members of the Hopefield Wanderers Cricket Club. A sponsor for the trophies and medals was obtained, and the prizes were designed.
Support from the current club could not be obtained, however, and the event never took place. CCY has since been dissolved, and West Coast Sports Solutions has been registered.
After obtaining legal advice, however, we decided to continue towards presenting the event. The event paying tribute to the founding members of the Hopefield Wanderers Cricket Club will take place on Saturday 2 September 2021.
But here’s the full story, and reason why we believe to do it:
“In every community there are those who left an imprint in their efforts to uplift the community. Ironically, they usually don’t even realise it, and usually expect nothing in return for their good deeds.
As the founder and leader of this organisation, I feel that constructive community leaders should be acknowledged. Not only for what they have done in the past, but also for what they still mean to their communities – especially for the younger generation.
On the 2nd September, we will take the initiative when we pay tribute to former players of the first cricket club in town. We plan to pay tribute during a dinner event at the Plaasmol.. Here the guests will once again be able to sit peacefully, and discuss “the old days”.
The Wanderers Cricket Club in Hopefield was founded in 1975, and after several friendly matches the club joined the West Coast Cricket Union.
As the “Cinderella” of the competition, under the captaincy of Freddie “Lange” Papier, the team dominated the West Coast Cricket league competition for 7 years. Some of the players are still considered to be among the best that ever stepped out onto the cricket pitches of the West Coast.
To express our gratitude to these men who ensured the presence of a cricket club, where young people can go to practice the sport, we will pay tribute to the most outstanding players.
For instance:
- Best bowler
- Best batsman
- Best fielder
- Best opening batsman
- Best wicket keeper
- Best all-rounder
And lastly, the first player to score a century for his team in the league matches.
Although some of the players have passed away, all the remaining Wanderers players who competed in league matches during the first 10 years of the club’s existence are to be considered for the awarding of medals and trophies. Acknowledgements awarded to deceased players will be accepted in absentia by their descendants.
An appeal to potential sponsors:
To make this event happen, we need sponsors. It is simply not possible to do this out of our personal incomes. If you would like to help us make this a memorable occasion, please Click Here to contact us – or use the info below to send us a donation:
Nedbank:
West Coast Sports Solutions Pty (Ltd)
Reg no: 2019/555015/07
Account nr. 1211885704
Branch Small Business Service, Vredenburg 198765
Type: Current Account
Please help us keep the project alive:
