ST DAVID'S MARIST INANDA UNVEIL TEMBA BAVUMA OVAL

In a historic move that celebrates one of their old boys, Schools SA20 runners-up St David’s Marist Inanda has officially renamed their main cricket field the Temba Bavuma Oval.

The announcement was made during a special ceremony at the Sandton-based school's campus, honouring the current Proteas Test captain and alumnus for his significant contributions to South African cricket and his lasting impact on the school’s sporting legacy.

Previously known as the McGregor Oval, the newly christened Temba Bavuma Oval recognises Bavuma’s journey from schoolboy cricketer to national icon. Bavuma matriculated in 2007, when he was selected for the SA Colts team, but stayed on to do a post-matric year in 2008 during which he made the Gauteng provincial side before earning SA Schools and SA Under-19 selection after the 2008 Khaya Majola Cricket Week. His progression since has been widely reported on, not least his elevation to the Proteas Test team in 2014, and serves as a moment of pride for St David's which has long championed the development of cricketing talent.

“It’s incredibly humbling to have a field named after me at the place where my cricket journey truly began,” said Bavuma at the unveiling. “St David’s shaped me not just as a cricketer, but as a person. I hope this ground inspires generations of young players to dream big and play with heart.”

The renaming comes at a fitting time for the school’s cricket programme. St David’s recently reached the final of the inaugural Schools SA20 competition. Their impressive run to the final showcased the strength of their cricketing culture and the promising talent coming through their ranks. Indeed, their current 1st XI includes SA Under-19 star Jason Rowles, SA Schools 2024 player Armaan Manack and Kamogelo Phiri who has featured for the SA Emerging team.

Headmaster Mike Thiel expressed his pride, stating, “Temba Bavuma exemplifies resilience, leadership, and integrity - qualities we deeply value at St David’s. Naming the field in his honour is a tribute to his achievements and a beacon for our future cricketers.”