Dewan Booysen, an assistant teacher at Laerskool Millennium Primary School in Krugersdorp, has been named coach of the Gauteng West Under-10 cricket team for a second straight year, reinforcing his role in developing grassroots cricket in the west of Johannesburg.
All roles on his shoulders
According to cricket organiser Gerhard Nagel, Booysen will carry multiple responsibilities for the team: he will act as coach, umpire and manager. Training sessions and inter-district matches are scheduled through August and September as the squad prepares for the Johannesburg West Primary Schools U9 and U10 Cricket Festival from 23 to 25 September.
Booysen’s selection was attributed to his dedication to coaching at the school level. At Laerskool Millennium he leads the mini-cricket programme, coaches the school’s first team and assists with the girls’ cricket squad — work that has evidently convinced selectors to retain him for another year.
Why continuity matters
Continuity in youth coaching can be decisive in player development. With the coach also acting as umpire and manager, the team benefits from a consistent approach to training methods, match-day management and discipline. For a transient age group such as U10s — where players are still mastering basic skills and understanding game sense — having a familiar mentor through festival season can improve both individual confidence and team cohesion.
Local primary schools in the Gauteng West district typically rely on committed teacher-coaches like Booysen to run weekend practices and referee matches. Their involvement keeps participation costs low and ensures that young players get regular contact with cricket beyond school hours.
Festival preparation and logistics
Organised matches and structured training in the lead-up months are an essential part of preparation. The key dates and timeline are:
- August–September: training sessions and inter-district matches
- 23–25 September: Johannesburg West Primary Schools U9 & U10 Cricket Festival
| Activity | Timing |
|---|---|
| Training and inter-district matches | August–September |
| Johannesburg West U9 & U10 Cricket Festival | 23–25 September |
Local impact and pathways
At this age group, the focus is on basic skill acquisition, enjoyment of the game and exposure to competitive conditions. Festivals such as the Johannesburg West event provide children with the chance to experience tournament cricket, cope with match routines and meet peers from other schools — all elements that matter when talent identification begins at higher age groups.
For Laerskool Millennium, Booysen’s continued involvement at district level reflects positively on the school’s cricket programme and provides a visible pathway for pupils who want to pursue the sport beyond casual play.
What parents and players should know
- Players selected to the Gauteng West U10 squad will be expected to attend training in August and September; specific venues and times will be confirmed by team management.
- Parents should check with their school coaches for selection and transport arrangements ahead of the festival on 23–25 September.
- Teacher-coaches balancing school duties and district commitments rely on volunteer support from parents and school administrators, particularly for logistics and match-day supervision.
Booysen’s reappointment underlines the value placed on committed school-based coaches in sustaining grassroots cricket. As the festival approaches, local teams will be watching to see how sustained coaching input translates into performance and experience for Johannesburg West’s youngest cricketers.
Reporting from Gauteng West.
