“Not all heroes wear capes”. Spot on but very cliché, right? We aim to bring you a new weekly feature where we honour and recognize heroes and heroines in the game of cricket for their little contributions towards the sport in South Africa. 

To kickstart this initiative, we’ll be featuring the 31-year-old Aubrey Mosepele, affectionately known as ‘Rezo’. Mosepele is playing a prominent cricketing role in his community of Schweizer. Not only is he keeping kids off the streets, but he’s also aiding the growth of the game in the North West Province.

Mosepele, a full-time teacher, says the project was established last year but that it had been in the pipeline for a long time prior to that.

“The project was driven by the need to give kids from disadvantaged backgrounds a proper platform from which to express their talents,” he explains. “We have a lot of talent reserves in rural areas, but the lack of exposure is killing the boys.”

He called the club the ‘Rezo Club’, which is still in its infancy but has been growing and developing rapidly. The club is however not yet part of any local leagues.

“We’re just playing friendlies to build the brand, while exposing the boys to proper cricket grounds. It’s a challenge to get township players to play on proper cricket pitches, but we’re sorting out administrative issues and we should be registered soon.”

Mosepele added that they haven’t yet secured any sponsorships, but that the local government and district are “helping us with equipment and transport”.

“It’s mostly a self-funded project, with many of the community members contributing financially or by donating food when we play matches,” he says.

“The support from the community has been awesome, not just [by] monetary [support], but also for the recognition [we’re receiving]. Just to see parents encouraging their kids to be part of the Rezo Cricket Club is awesome.”

The club is more than just a sport-oriented programme, Mosepele noted.

“We also look into brotherhood and the development of the boys,” he says. “Players are encouraged to take their studies seriously and carry over a high level of moral conduct in the community.

“Rezo Cricket Club is centered around patience, hard work and discipline. Teaching our players these traits are important.”

Personalities and influencers such as Mosepele are actively playing a role in growing the gentleman’s game in SA, while making sure the sport gets sufficient exposure across the country. This is why Mosepele can be depicted as a hero.