September sees the winds of seasons change, and for this week, we raise our metaphorical bat to Mrrrr. Clinton du Preez, Cricket Services Manager at Western Province Cricket Association and the Convenor of Selectors for the Proteas Women. Celebrating another year of unwavering dedication to South African cricket isn’t really the easiest journey, but I would go as far as claim Mr. Du Preez is perhaps a master architect in and around cricket for the Western Cape region, reading leads one to believe he may also be at the helm of grassroots revival, a mentor shaping future stars, and a trusted voice in national selection, Mr. du Preez has quietly but powerfully transformed almost every level of the game, and this isn’t a point I’m willing to debate.

Mr. Du Preez has consistently demonstrated a passion for the game, a commitment to people, and an ability to shape the future of cricket at every level. As we wish him many more years of success and good health, we also reflect on 25 key milestones and achievements that define his contribution.

25 Career Highlights of Clinton du Preez :

• 1. Current Role as Cricket Services Manager at WPCA : Leading the structures that power cricket across Western Province, from grassroots to semi-pro levels. I think at the grassroots level, he has seen it all and will continue to see even more.
• 2. Convenor of Selectors for the Proteas Women : Entrusted with the national responsibility of guiding South Africa’s women’s team through selections at the highest level.
• 3. Instrumental in Relaunching Amateur Cricket (2021) : Oversaw the revival of club, schools, and community programs post-COVID disruptions. This was also the time when level heads needed to prevail. Not only did he display strategic reasoning, one can go as far as claim that Mr. Du Preez played a pivotal role in easing clubs back into the field of play.
• 4. KFC Mini-Cricket Champion : Advocates for South Africa’s most vibrant grassroots cricket program, giving thousands of children their first taste of the game.
• 5. Youth Pipeline Development : Supported and shaped provincial age-group squads participating in CSA National Weeks.
• 6. WP Colts Squad Innovator : He had helped create a balance between academy players and promising club stars, strengthening the Western Province player pipeline.
• 7. National Youth Service Programme Advocate : While I am not a fan of NYS, Mr Du Preez used cricket hubs to navigate employment opportunities in coaching, administration, and groundskeeping in the WPCA region.
• 8. Leader in Women’s Cricket Development : Plays a pivotal role in selection and recognition at provincial and national levels.
• 9. CSA Women’s Selection Panel Leadership (since 2022) : As I often have dismissively tooted the revamp of a selector panel in the womens side, I can still acknowledge that Mr Du Preez has provided continuity, vision, and stability in women’s cricket through his role as convenor.
• 10. Promotion of Community Hubs : He has, with the help of his coaching network, expanded cricket’s footprint into underrepresented communities.
• 11. Recognition of Excellence : Publicly celebrates CSA and WP award winners, showing appreciation for the wider cricket ecosystem, a trait I think every leader in cricket should  have, as it shows overall observation and support for players and contributors to the game, giving credit, where credit is due.
• 12. Proud Contributor to CSA Awards Success : Acknowledges the structures that enabled Western Province cricketers to shine nationally.
• 13. Strategic Partnerships Builder : Works with schools, clubs, and municipalities to strengthen cricket’s reach.
• 14. Promoter of Coaching Education : Champions programs to ensure quality coaching standards at all levels.
• 15. Grounds & Facilities Development Supporter : Recognized the importance of infrastructure for sustainable cricket growth.
• 16. Advocate for Women’s Provincial One-Day Tournament : Highlighted the tournament’s role in preparing players for national duty.
• 17. Spokesperson on Selection Transparency : Provides clear explanations for national squad decisions, reinforcing accountability.
• 18. Mentorship of Young Talent : Guides emerging players, ensuring that opportunities extended beyond elite schools and clubs.
• 19. CSA National Panel Representation : His appointment highlighted the confidence CSA places in his cricketing judgment.
• 20. Post-Pandemic Resilience : Helped WPCA recover its momentum and re-establish competitive pathways.
• 21. Community Role Model : Advocates for cricket as a vehicle for education, discipline, and life opportunities.
• 22. Promotion of Women’s Cricket Visibility : Elevated the conversation around women’s cricket in the media and local structures.
• 23. Focus on Inclusivity : Works to ensure cricket opportunities are accessible to all backgrounds.
• 24. Voice of Gratitude & Collaboration : Regularly acknowledges administrators, coaches, and volunteers as the backbone of cricket.
• 25. Birthday Celebration Today : Beyond his professional accolades, this week we celebrate Clinton as a person, his passion, his leadership, and his tireless dedication to the game we all love.

Clinton Du Preez is a pivotal figure in WPCA’s cricket ecosystem, responsible for managing and growing cricket services across the province. His efforts span from around reviving and expanding grassroots and amateur cricket post-pandemic, leading youth and academy pathways like the Colts and CSA National Weeks squads, strategically delivering social impact via youth employment programs and most of all championing recognition and collaboration across the cricket community.

So to end the day, Happy 50th birthday to Mr Clinton Du Preez, may your dedication to the game continue to fuel inspiring milestones, build the eco-system, and open many opportunities for those eager to serve the game of cricket.