Second year IT blind cricketer and the Proteas show the Kiwis who’s boss

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                            20 March 2024

Second year IT blind cricketer and the Proteas show the Kiwis who’s boss

As second year Information Technology student was part of the blind Proteas that swept their New Zealand counterparts aside in the end of February in Gauteng. Mpumelelo Luthuli, from KwaSanti, near Durban’s Pinetown, played three of the six T20 series matches against the Kiwis in various cricket fields in the Gauteng Province, from 20-27 February 2024.  Mpumelelo, a fast bowler, and a B2 cricketer, got one scalp, and gave away only 36 runs in four overs.  A blind person that is defined as B2 is an individual that has an ability to be able to distinguish the shape of an object held in front of their face up to a sight acuity of 2-60. These individuals can see at a range of only two metres, what a fully sighted individual can see at 60 metre.

Commenting on the series, Mpumelelo, a fitness fanatic, said he thought it would have been more difficult if Bangladesh did not pull out of the series.  He said Bangladesh’s quick players would have given them some tough times.  “The series was not difficult. However, the fourth and sixth matches were tough.” said Mpumelelo. He was donning the green and gold for the first time.

Mpumelelo, the only B2 player from KwaZulu-Natal, also played an ODI (One Day International) against the same opposition.  The Proteas scored 376 for 3; New Zealand scored 69 for 9. South Africa won by 307 runs.

Mpumelelo hopes to make the team to play the World Cup in from 18 November to 3 December 2024, in Pakistan. This will be his first international outing. “I am a bit scared, but also happy that will be playing for his national team, the Proteas.

For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact MUT Media Liaison Officer, Bheki Hlophe +27 82 432 1805 or via email hlophe@mut.ac.za

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About Mangosuthu University of Technology

Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) is a leading institution of higher learning in South Africa, renowned for its commitment to excellence in education, research, and innovation. Located in a township, MUT has extended its global reach through strategic partnerships and collaborations. The university is dedicated to fostering inclusivity, diversity, and social responsibility, empowering its graduates to make meaningful contributions to their communities and society as a whole.