Club history

 

United Cricket Club is the standard bearer of one of the richest traditions of cricket in South Africa.  Although United was formed in 1976 its history can be traced back to the formation of the Western Province–Coloured Cricket Union (WPCCU) way back in 1890.  Most of the affiliated clubs including Ottomans, Roslyns, Hamediahs, Victorians, Young Ideas, Squares, Montrose, Walmers, Silvertree, Arabian College were from District Six and the Bokaap.  Vineyards, Violets and Muslims hailed from Claremont.

In 1958 when the Western Province Cricket Board (WPCB) was formed the (WPCCU) joined as a sub union changing its name in the process to the Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) in keeping with the new spirit of non-racialism.  The secretary for the Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) for most of the time 1960’s and 1970’s was Sadiq Emeran the first President of United Cricket Club (1976 -1988).

The advent of apartheid and Group Area removals was to wreak havoc with this long standing tradition of cricket. By the early 1970’s clubs were battling to field teams.  Concerned administrators discussed the situation and agreed that the best way forward was for some clubs to join forces.  Eventually the whole of the (WPCA) comprising the aforementioned clubs decided to unite to form 1 club – UNITED.

At the last moment Ottomans decided not to go with the new arrangement because amongst other things they wished to celebrate their centenary independently the following year.  The next year Montrose also chose to remain an independent team.

Since its conception United was amongst the top clubs in the WPCB. It was also the biggest club affiliated to the Board with the Premier Side consistently amongst the top performers in the various competitions.

In 1978/79 United won the league under the captaincy of Armien Jabaar.  In 1977/78 they shared the limited trophy and won the competition outright in 1980/81, 1981/82 and 1985/86.

The club also won the prestigious double (the league and limited overs competition in 1989/90). The first captain of the club was the late Taliep Behardien who represented South Africa against Kenya in the 1950’s followed by Armien Jabaar, Yusuf Jacobs, Seraj Gabriels, Andre Odendaal, Shukri Conrad, Mogamat Galant, Faizel Ebrahiem and Ismail Behardien.

Over the years the clubs has produced numerous W.P. players and South African Board players including Armien Jubaar, Seraj Gabriels, Munsoor Abdullah, Faiek Davids and Ismail Behardien.

Since unification in 1991/92 United remains the biggest affiliate in Western Province Cricket .United have a flourishing junior section from which many provincial players have emerged at age group level. The club won the IB limited over competition in 1998/99 and the following year United won the league and gained promotion to the 1A division where they have campaigned ever since. In 2008/2009 they were crowned league champions.

In 2009 the Club undertook its first overseas tour when they represented Altius at the Noble Hong Kong Sixes tournament. The team did not disappoint winning the tournament against international competition.

Besides its achievements on the field a feature of the club has been the commitment of its administrators over the years.

The late Sadiq Emeran was the Vice Prseident of the WPCA and an Honorary Life Member of the WPCA.  Professor Andre Oodendaal a former captain is currently the CEO Western Province, and a former president of the club Ashraf Burns is an EXCO member of WPCA.

At junior level Goosain Abrahams served as Chairman of the WP Youth Cricket Association and later became President of USSASA (Schools Cricket South Africa). Enver Desai was an exco member WP Youth and Shaheen Booley is convenor of selectors.

In its efforts to provide specialist coaching opportunities United were the pioneers in establishing a School of Excellence at the Pinelands indoor centre during the off season in 1996. Amongst the several coaches engaged by the club included Rasheed Lewis, Braima Isaacs, Barney Mohammed, Seraj Gabriels, Anwell Newman and Ismail Behardien. This winter program is still in operation and is currently being run from indoor facility at the Pinelands High School.
 

Our sponsors

 
Altius Investment holding and Cape Town Market have been our main club sponsor since 2006. With their help we are able to provide coaches of the highest quality as well as a number of coaching clinics – which are open to all children – as well as our winter academy.