In the sprawling township of Khayelitsha, South Africa, where violence and poverty are daily realities, former South African Test cricketer Gary Kirsten is making a significant impact through his charitable initiative, the Cricket and Talent Centres of Hope (CATCH) Trust. Khayelitsha, with an estimated population ranging from 500,000 to 1.2 million, endures some of the country’s highest crime rates, including hundreds of murders and thousands of assaults annually. Against this backdrop, Kirsten’s program aims to provide youth with opportunities through sport and education that many in privileged South African communities take for granted.
Fifteen-year-old Liyabona Mjikeliso, known as Liya, is one of the young beneficiaries of the CATCH Trust. She is part of a vibrant cricket team that recently played against visiting Australian players, including former Test cricketers Adam Collins and Simon Katich, on a pristine artificial turf pitch in Khayelitsha. The contrast between the well-maintained field and the surrounding township highlights the challenges the community faces, yet it also underscores the transformative potential of the trust’s work.
Kirsten, who has represented South Africa in 101 Test matches and coached the national team, emphasizes the importance of equal access to sporting opportunities. "Talent is universal, but opportunity isn’t," he says. The CATCH Trust not only focuses on cricket but also supports education, providing facilities with nets, coaching, equipment, and even WiFi to assist with schoolwork.
The trust’s mission goes beyond nurturing sports talent to fostering hope, camaraderie, and personal development among youth in an environment often marked by instability. Babalwa Zothe, the women’s coach for CATCH, notes that the program offers a safe space for young people who might otherwise be exposed to street violence or substance abuse. The trust also runs a Women’s Empowerment Program, which Liya participates in, aiming to develop well-rounded individuals rather than just future professional athletes.
Liya’s cricketing skills have drawn attention, with Katich remarking on her natural ability during their recent match. She demonstrated sound technique and composure at the crease, scoring more than 30 runs against a competitive opposition. Her commitment to both sport and academics has impressed coaches and peers alike.
The story of Liya and the CATCH Trust shines a light on the widening disparity in South African sport, where elite athletes often come from privileged backgrounds, frequently having attended exclusive schools. Proteas captain Temba Bavuma, who grew up in the township of Langa, is a prominent exception and symbolizes shifting dynamics. His success, including leading South Africa to victory in the 2025 World Test Championship final, inspires efforts like Kirsten’s to uncover untapped talent in under-resourced communities.
By combining cricket with education and community support, Gary Kirsten’s CATCH Trust is striving to offer a pathway out of hardship for township youth, fostering social cohesion and personal growth through sport in one of South Africa’s most challenging environments.