By Nangamso Mabindla
1 September 2004

BUFFALO City executive mayor Sindisile Maclean was stumped when a young Indian cricketer paid him a visit at the East London City Hall earlier this week.

The 15-year-old opening batsman, Inderneel Singh from the Seindia Cricket Academy in Gwalior, had come out to acquire cricketing skills from the Border Cricket Academy. The trip was arranged by the Association of Expatriate Indian Professionals in South Africa.

National chairman of the association, Amitabh Mitra, said they had chosen Border because it had produced good teams like the Proteas, and cricketers like Makhaya Ntini, Mark Boucher and Pieter Strydom.

"They also have a good academy to develop youngsters into world-class cricketers. We wanted this youngster to come and further develop his skills; he would in turn take the experience he received here back to India," he said.

Following his four-week stay with the academy where he was coached by former Border all-rounder Piet Strydom and development coach Raymond Mali, Singh said. "I'm grateful to Ray and Piet for teaching me a lot about the game and professionalism," said Singh. "The game is different here to ours in India; South Africa is very professional, and with programmes like these we can learn a lot from the more professional countries."

A delighted Maclean said he felt honoured that the young man took time from a busy schedule with the academy to meet him.

"I see how humble you are; you can only grow from strength to strength. I will hopefully see you again when India tours the country; maybe a one-dayer at Buffalo Park," he said.

Clinton Flemming, who also coached the youngster, said he had a lot of potential. "He just loves his cricket; he's always ready to practise and learn from his coaches. He can only go far from here," Flemming said.

Amitabh Mitra thanked the Border cricket board for assisting Singh to improve his cricketing talents.