A phenomenological study of a sample of young Black players in the transformation process of cricket in Gauteng
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Date
2010
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Abstract
This South African study used a phenomenological approach which researched lived experiences of twenty Black cricketers in the Gauteng region who have been or are currently involved in the transformation process. Data was collected in the form of one-on-one tape recorded interviews from a pre-determined list of qualitative questions.
This study explores the factors that are motivating Blacks in Gauteng to take up and play cricket and subsequently persist or drop out; how they have experienced the transformation process; whether or not they consider that they have progressed in the transformation process.
The study provides an insight into these young Black Gauteng cricketers‟ perspectives of how Gauteng Cricket Board could make transformation work more effectively and efficiently and contribute meaningfully to the transformation process. This will aid in finding additional explanations to the challenges surrounding meaningful transformation in Gauteng cricket and could hopefully bring a more holistic approach to the issue of transformation.
Five themes emerged from the participants‟ responses, namely:
Theme one: Dearth of support and resources
There are different aspects that are important in the development of a cricketer. A player may have the technical cricketing skills and the talent but a holistic perspective is also necessary. With insufficient off-field requirements that they are experiencing - such as family and community support, cricketing facilities, good cricketing equipment, and independence to travel to and from games - participants say their success in the game is affected negatively.
Theme two: Frustration, hopelessness and despair
Participants were critical of the transformation process in Gauteng. Relocating to, for example, the Eastern Cape appears to be for many participants their only hope of progression within cricket teams. This continues to entrench their attitude of hopelessness, despair and hurt towards the Gauteng Cricket Board, because the participants‟ views are that there is strong Black cricketing talent in Gauteng. Their frustration is that they contend that transformation in Gauteng is only window dressing.
Theme three: Lack of commitment by Gauteng Cricket Board
The participants believe there is less focus by the Gauteng Cricket Board on older Black players; they evidence the Gauteng Cricket Board buying players, specifically Coloured players, from other provinces; they experience poor communication and a lack of opportunities; they believe Gauteng Cricket is not doing enough to help Black players progress within the cricket structures; according to them, transformation is not taking place in Gauteng Cricket and is weak in the under-19 structures; they believe Gauteng Cricket does not have enough faith in Black Gauteng cricketers; they feel the Gauteng Cricket structures are weak and are not working efficiently and; Gauteng Cricket is in need of good leadership.
Theme four: Increasing racial divide instead of unifying
Thirteen participants made ongoing comparisons with their White counterparts, whom these Black players position as being more privileged than them in cricketing terms - even though the directive from the South African Government is to progress transformation. These Black players see the racial integration of the game of cricket more as a comparison and competition between themselves and their White counterparts rather than as unification.
Theme five: Value of cricket in personal development and adding value to one’s life
The participants cited their learning experiences in cricket as affording them the following: Interacting with people of all races; learning to set a good example; greater self-awareness; learning to make wise decisions; persistence; self-discipline; confidence; tolerance; strengthening of character; self-respect; commitment; aspiring to a greater lifestyle; acquiring leadership skills and educational opportunities; being empowered and empowering others and working together; playing for the team and; acquiring the ability to trust others.
The findings of this research allow for a holistic framework that could be developed in conjunction with the Gauteng Cricket Board to help progress transformation in cricket in Gauteng and, therefore, South Africa.
Description
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree
MA (Counselling Psychology) at the University of Zululand, 2010.
Keywords
Cricket -- Gauteng