13 December 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MUT Cricket players get accolades from the USSA Games in the Western Cape
Although the MUT Cricket team did not win the 2023 annual USSA tournament, the event could be a launching pad for at least two of the team’s players. The 20-year-old, first year Civil Engineering student, Ayanda Mqadi, from Durban’s Folweni Township, and third year Public Management, 24-year-old Sthembiso Mthembu, did exceptionally well in the Western Cape’s George Cricket venue where MUT squared off against some other universities in the T-20 matches.
All-rounder Mqadi did wonders for the team as he joined it soon after his examinations. The team was playing its fourth match. Mqadi’s performance was out of this world! He was very right when he said he was happy to have helped his team do well in the tournament. Mqadi, who also plays for Umlazi Cricket Club, was chosen Man of the Match in three matches of the four matches that he played.
Here is Mqadi’s fantastic record: On 30 November 2023, Mqadi scored 88 runs, not out, against Vaal University of Technology (VUT). He also bowled four overs, one being a maiden, got one wicket, and conceded 14 runs. On the same day, Mqadi scored 75 not out, again, against Sefako Makgato University (SMU). He also bowled four overs, got one wicket, and concede 27 runs. In one day, Mqadi scored 163 runs against two teams.
His third match was against Sol Plaatjie University. In this match Mqadi scored six runs, bowled four overs, conceded 10 runs, but got three wickets. His economy rate was 2.9.
Mqadi played his fourth match against Sefako Makgato University. The medium pace bowler scored 37 runs and got three wickets from his bowling.
Here is a summary of Mqadi’s record: Batting at number four, Mqadi scored 206 runs in four matches; bowled 15 overs from which he got eight wickets and conceded 64 runs. Mqadi fielded at long on, deep mid-wicket, and deep square leg.
Mqadi said he felt happy about his performance. “I was able to help the team do better, even though it was tough. My best match was against the SMU. I scored 75 runs. I bowled that last over that determined the results. I got a wicket from the first ball; I bowled two dot balls; conceded six runs. They needed eight runs. We won by two runs,” said Mqadi. He said this was the highlight of the tournament for him.
Mthembu also created a record that deserved to be rewarded. Mthembu, who is from Ngonyameni, west of Umlazi Township, and also plays for Umlazi Cricket Club, can be described as a semi all-rounder. He became a Bowler of the Tournament, with 15 wickets from the 27.3 overs that he bowled, five of which were maidens. This right arm off spin, conceded 103 runs, less than everybody else.
For Mthembu, the highlight of the tournament was a match against the Mpumalanga University. “I score 27 runs, without being defeated. We had just over 40 runs on the board when I came in at number three; we had lost one wicket. We had only seven overs to score from,” he said. “We were able to post 88 runs. I helped the team to defend this score by taking four wickets and conceded only two runs. I had two maidens,” he said.
Team Manager, Bobby Mkhize, said the team’s performance was satisfactory, “considering that the circumstances we were facing. Mqadi’s arrival was crucial for the team,” said Mkhize.
079 968 8935 – Ayanda Mqadi
067 623 8392 – Sthe Mthembu
End/
About Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT):
MUT is a pioneering institution committed to producing graduates who are not just educated but prepared to lead and innovate in the ever-evolving world of technology and academia. With a steadfast dedication to research excellence, MUT is at the forefront of shaping the future of education and society. For more information, visit www.mut.ac.za
Kindly cite Mbali Mkhize
Issued by Bheki Hlophe – Publications and Media Relations officer