What was also noteworthy about last years event is that even though it was the prestigious schools that predominated, there was also a Development team made up of children from our poorer communities. It is therefore important to remember that cricket is not just a game but a tool to create harmony amongst communities. As human beings we celebrate the many opportunities it gives, the breaking of barriers cultural, racial and otherwise, and the hope it brings to those who live lives of anguish and despair.

CSA would like to therefore like to express its sincerest gratitude to SAHARA for sponsoring what I am sure will in future become an iconic cricket schools event. We would like to thank St David’s for hosting this event. We also would like to thank all those who have made this event possible: here I refer to all the teachers and their schoolboys, the officials, the coaches, and the families: the backbone and the bedrock of our sport.

Lastly I would like to express our gratitude to our national players, and especially to our captain, Graeme Smith, for supporting and generously giving of themselves to this worthy and magnificent event.

I know this will be yet another unforgettable tournament that will serve yet another great feast of cricket, with many special moments and memories, with stars and heroes created, with many goals achieved. I hope the vast community of Johannesburg will once again come in huge numbers to support this noble effort.

May the best the team win.

God bless all of you.