Tembaletu triumphs at table cricket festival

The Newlands Cricket Stadium came alive with a different kind of sporting event last Thursday. The sixth annual Lord’s Taverners SA Table Cricket Festival, funded by the Spirit Foundation and run by Sporting Chance, took place alongside the grand finale of South Africa’s first-ever Table Cricket Champions League.

The famous stadium welcomed 100 young players, aged nine to 16, from special needs schools across the province. Learners from Astra, St Joseph’s Marist, St Joseph’s Montana, Eros, Vista Nova, Jan Kriel, Tembaletu and Filia School took part. Many of the players have cognitive or physical disabilities, but they all came together to celebrate ability, belonging and a shared love of the game.

After a great performance, Tembaletu School from Gugulethu won the championship, with Astra School finishing as runners-up.

Table Cricket is a fast-growing, adapted version of cricket. It turns a table tennis table into a mini cricket field, making it possible for people with disabilities to take part, compete and shine. The game was developed in England by Doug Williamson of Nottingham Trent University and brought to South Africa by Lord’s Taverners South Africa. It is designed to support hand–eye coordination, numeracy and self-esteem, while giving players the excitement of teamwork and achievement.

This year marks an important step forward. Inspired by successful UK programmes, South Africa launched its first Table Cricket Champions League, which added new energy and competition to the sport. The league has been welcomed by players, coaches and teachers, showing a growing interest in inclusive sport across the country.

The Spirit Foundation and Lord’s Taverners South Africa have teamed up with the Sporting Chance Development Foundation, now in its 35th year of using sport for social impact. Together, they plan to expand Table Cricket nationwide. With major developments set for 2026, the partnership hopes to create more sporting opportunities for children with disabilities, boost participation and strengthen development through play.

Their long-term goal is ambitious: to build inclusive sports pathways that support children and eventually adults with disabilities, helping to shape the future of disability sport in South Africa.

“The benefits already speak for themselves. Beyond physical activity, Table Cricket fosters social integration, cognitive growth, communication skills and team spirit,” said Sporting Chance general manager, Natalie Pollock. “The joy and confidence seen in players, and the pride expressed by educators, demonstrate the profound impact of the initiative and the sense of community it builds,” she said.