Al-Qalam 
By Al-Qalam Reporter
The 44-year-old Delta Cricket Club is ready to soar to new heights after a new partnership between Honchos Chicken and the club was announced recently.
Honchos Chicken is now the club’s official sponsor, which was celebrated during a launch event at the Kingsmead Cricket Stadium on August 18.
The historic Delta Cricket Club was formed back in 1979 at the Orient High School under the leadership of the late Yusuf Wariyawa and Faizel Cassim.
The club started from humble beginnings that was initially created as a space for social cricketers who shared a love and passion for the game.
However, over the years, its purpose had evolved into something far more significant: it became a testament to the unity it displayed, the opportunities it created, and its perseverance.
“As a club, we were able to register many teams over the years. At one point we had 18 teams. We’ve been fortunate now that we’ve also managed to put a women’s team together. They’re a group of under-13 and under-16 girls. We’ve got one South African emerging player and we’ve got two ex-Dolphin players coaching the team. I think it’s important that our ladies get the opportunity to show off and be able to nurture their talents,” said Delta Cricket Club chairman.
Faeez Jaffar, adding it was an exciting time in the club’s history.
“Honchos coming on board to support us is indeed a fantastic gesture and opportunity that has been created for us. It’s a fantastic partnership based on mutual respect and mutual trust. It’s a fantastic way to bring hope to our communities and give back to the communities that are supporting them. We thank them for standing with us,” said Jaffar.
He said the aim now is to grow the club in numbers and afford people more opportunities.
“At the same time, we want to produce Dolphin and Proteas players. We’ve done it before and we want to do it again. We’ve got the likes of Khaya Zondo, Bryce Parsons, and Jason Smith. Our motive is to positively impact society and that’s what we want to continue to do,” said Jaffar.
The club currently has seven teams playing under its banner and has won various competitions under the KZN Cricket Union. It also represented the union at national club championships.
Jaffar says the club has always been community-orientated.
Speaking at the launch event, Luthando Mazibuko, one of the club’s players said he made his debut for the club at the age of 12.
“Our coach, Coach Yash, is in my opinion the best coach in KZN. He has produced the likes of Hashim Amla, Keshav Maharaj, and Senuran Muthusamy. He has served the province of KZN for 17 years,” said Mazibuko.
He said what makes him love and appreciate the Delta Cricket Club is the club’s achievements, the unity it displays, and the quality it portrays.
Delta Cricket Club’s First Captain, Zak Paruk, also spoke at the event and said he was honoured to be part of the club’s history.
“It’s my 21st season as a Delta boy. I started my journey as a 4-year-old, watching players of the club establish this club to reach the greatness that it holds today. 21 years later, I am very proud to be the club captain for the upcoming season. Delta is all about family and we are ready to welcome and celebrate with our newest family member, Honchos Chicken,” said Paruk.
Speaking about the new sponsorship, Zaakir Suleman, Marketing Director of Honchos Chicken said: “What really caught our attention about getting into this investment with Delta Cricket Club is how this investment will be turned into growth. Most of us from the older generations understand what it was like growing up in the time we were growing up. Cricket was not the same in those days. We learnt cricket on the streets. We never had cricket stadiums and the resources to learn. We used makeshift bats and balls to learn cricket. Now we sit here as a brand for the community that wants to create such opportunities for the community to benefit from,” said Suleman.
He said by taking this step and investing in the Delta Cricket Club, Honchos Chicken is investing in the future generation and the future of South Africa.
