KZNDSAC Sunfoil Hub U13 Tournament showcases KwaZulu-Natal’s cricketing future

The future of KwaZulu-Natal cricket was on show in Eshowe this week as six teams from the Dolphins Hubs space competed in the KZNDSAC Sunfoil Hub U13 Cricket Tournament, held from 29 September to 2 October.

The tournament brought together young cricketers from the Dolphins Hubs space, forming six teams, namely: Reservoir Hills/Outer West, KCCD/Mtubatuba, INK/iLembe, Chatsworth/Umlazi, Port Shepstone/Umzinto and KCCD Invitational.

More than simply a tournament, the initiative forms part of the broader objective of growing cricket through meaningful grassroots development. By providing young players with access to structured competition, the tournament aims to strengthen our pipeline from community cricket into the wider provincial and national cricketing system.

The tournament concluded with KCCD/Mtubatuba being crowned 2026 champions after defeating Reservoir Hills/Outer West by eight wickets in the final.

Reservoir Hills/Outer West were bowled out for 84, before KCCD/Mtubatuba successfully chased down the target, finishing on 85/2 in 12.5 overs.

In the other play-offs, INK/iLembe defeated Chatsworth/Umlazi by 61 runs to finish third, while KCCD Invitational edged Port Shepstone/Umzinto by four runs in the fifth-place play-off.

The tournament produced several outstanding individual performances.

Mphiwokuhle Dlamini was named Player of the Tournament and Best Batter, scoring 163 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 122, including an unbeaten 102. He also contributed six wickets.

Njabulo Mhlongo was named Bowler of the Tournament, taking 11 wickets, including the only five-wicket haul of the tournament, with best figures of 5/30. Sphetho Ndlovu was recognised as the Emerging Player of the Tournament.

An U11/U12 Team of the Tournament was also recognised, highlighting the importance of identifying and nurturing talent from an early age.

The success of the tournament extends beyond the results. It provides young players with the opportunity to develop their skills, confidence, discipline and understanding of competitive cricket, while also giving coaches, selectors, umpires and scorers valuable experience within a structured tournament environment.

The long-term mission is to grow participation, identify emerging talent and strengthen the cricket development pipeline across KwaZulu-Natal. By bringing players from different communities together, tournaments such as this create opportunities for young cricketers to compete, learn and aspire to progress within the game.

The preferred outcome is a sustainable pipeline of talent - one that ensures promising young players have the opportunity to be seen, developed and supported, regardless of their community or background.

The 2026 tournament has demonstrated the depth of talent within the Dolphins Hubs space and the value of creating regular, meaningful competition for young players.

While KCCD/Mtubatuba leave Eshowe as champions, the biggest win is the continued growth of cricket and the opportunity to develop the next generation of KwaZulu-Natal cricketers.

The KZNCU continues to appreciate their longstanding partners, KZNDSAC and Sunfoil, for their continued support and commitment to growing cricket at grassroots level.

The Union will carry on strengthening this valued partnership and creating opportunities for young cricketers for many years to come.