About us
Who We Are
Kei Cricket is one of the sixteen affiliated unions of Cricket South Africa, responsible for developing and promoting cricket across the rural Eastern Cape.
We are a dynamic and growing organisation committed to expanding access to the game while creating meaningful opportunities for players, coaches, and communities. Through cricket, we drive transformation, empower youth, and contribute to social development across the region.
Our Vision
To be a leading cricket development organisation in South Africa, transforming lives and communities across the Eastern Cape by producing skilled, disciplined, and well-rounded cricketers, and consistently developing future provincial and national players through a culture of excellence and inclusive growth.
Our Mission
Kei Cricket is committed to the sustainable growth and transformation of the game through a holistic and inclusive approach. The organisation delivers one of the country’s leading grassroots programmes by expanding access to mini-cricket across schools and communities, inspiring lifelong participation. It creates clear and progressive player pathways from school and hub cricket to club, provincial, and elite levels, while actively identifying and nurturing talent across all age groups, with a strong emphasis on youth development and the advancement of women’s cricket. Through structured and competitive leagues, including Premier, Women’s, and Junior cricket, Kei Cricket provides meaningful playing opportunities, supported by the development of skilled coaches to enhance the quality of delivery across more than 100 schools and communities. Beyond the field, the organisation promotes social development by using cricket as a vehicle to instil discipline, teamwork, leadership, and purpose among young people. This is further strengthened by strategic partnerships and ongoing advocacy for improved infrastructure, all underpinned by a commitment to excellence, professionalism, and good governance in every aspect of its administration and delivery
Operational Excellence
Behind the scenes, Kei Cricket delivers structured and professional cricket operations, including:
- Competition and league management
- Coach education and development
- Talent identification and high-performance planning
- Stakeholder and community engagement
- Governance and administration
These operational activities ensure the sustainability, growth, and quality of all cricket programmes across the region.
Our Impact
Making a difference beyond the boundary.
- Thousands of participants engaged annually
- Strong presence in rural and underserved communities
- Development of future provincial and national players
- Empowerment through sport, education, and mentorship
Cricket at Kei is more than a game—it’s a pathway to opportunity.
Our Strategic Pillars
Grassroots Growth
Expanding access through schools and community programmes
Player Pathways
Clear progression from entry-level to elite cricket
Women’s Cricket
Growing participation and competitiveness
Club Development
Strengthening leagues and structures
Infrastructure & Partnerships
Building facilities and strategic relationships
Governance & Excellence
Ensuring professionalism and accountability
Our Future
Kei Cricket continues to rise as a force in South African cricket development.
With a strong grassroots foundation, expanding pathways, and a growing women’s programme, we are building a future that will produce national players and drive meaningful transformation across the Eastern Cape.
Meet the faces behind Kei Cricket
The Team
Group Photo
Left corner Lwando Mandzandzo: (Head Groundsmen) followed by Mawande Ntshinga: (Head Hub Coach) Onke Mampofu: Senior Womens and U/19 girls Joshua Mandiwona: (Club and facilities) Joseph Ngqasa: (Mini Cricket, Acting Youth and Schools Coordinator) Front row from left Phinda: Facilities Support Assisstant Dumisa Makalima: (General Manager and Cricket Services Manager of Kei Cricket) Lulama Nyamela: Fin &admin Lusanda Mbunye: (Media &Marketing) we also have Vuyo Gabela (Hub Assistant Coach) Lihle Mhlanyana: (Hub Assistant Coach)
Dumisa Makalima
General Manager & Cricket Services Manager
Dumisa Makalima – General Manager & Cricket Services Manager
Dumisa Makalima is the General Manager and Cricket Services Manager of Kei Cricket, bringing a wealth of experience as a former professional cricketer, high-performance coach, and cricket administrator. An Eastern Cape native, he enjoyed a distinguished playing career representing Border, Eastern Province, the Warriors, and the Lions, and was part of South Africa’s U19 setup, including participation in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in Sri Lanka in 2001. He was also a member of the Highveld Lions squad that won the Ram Slam T20 title in the 2006/07 season.
Following his playing career, Makalima established himself in high-performance coaching and analysis, holding a CSA Level 3 Coaching qualification. He served in key roles with the Highveld Lions as Assistant Coach, Video Analyst, and Fielding Coach during a period of multiple domestic title successes. He also contributed to the Proteas Women’s team during the ICC T20 World Cup in 2012 in Sri Lanka as the Video Analyst. His coaching journey further includes serving as Head Coach of the University of Johannesburg (2017–2021) and Head Coach of the Limpopo Impalas Cricket Team (2021–2023). He was also involved within national university structures (USSA in 2018 & 2019), achieving consistent competitive success.
In cricket administration, Makalima served as Cricket Services Manager at Border Cricket from 2024 to 2026 and is currently at Kei Cricket, where he oversees both strategic direction and cricket operations. He also contributes at a national level as a CSA Hub Selector.
Widely respected for his leadership, strong stakeholder engagement, and commitment to transformation, Makalima remains deeply passionate about advancing cricket development and creating sustainable pathways for emerging talent across all levels of the game.
Lulama Nyamela
Bookkeeper
A dedicated pillar of Kei Cricket since 2015, Lulama Nyamela brings structure, reliability, and excellence to the organisation. Holding a Diploma in Accounting and highly proficient in MS Office, she ensures smooth administrative operations behind the scenes. Known for her organisation and commitment, Lulama believes in continuous learning and growth, while valuing family and faith at the core of her life.
Joshua Claton Mandiwona
Club & Facilities / Stadium Manager
Joshua Claton Mandiwona is the Club & Facilities / Stadium Manager at Kei Cricket, a role he has held since 2022. His journey with the club began in 2012 when he joined as a player, and over the years he has also served as a captain and coach.
Joshua is passionate about developing talent and takes pride in seeing players grow within the Kei Cricket system. His dedication continues both on and off the field, helping ensure the club remains a strong and thriving home for cricket in the region. 🏏
Joseph Ngqasa
Mini Cricket/ Acting Youth & Schools coordinator
Ngqasa Thabani Joseph is the KFC Mini Cricket Coordinator and Acting Youth & Schools Coordinator at Kei Cricket. With over 20 years of involvement in cricket, he is passionate about developing young players and growing grassroots cricket in the Kei region. Through the KFC Mini Cricket programme, he works with schools and communities to introduce children to the sport and create pathways for youth development.
Mawande Ntshinga
Head Hub coach
Mawande Ntshinga, a former provincial player and CSA Level 2 certified coach, leads Kei Cricket’s hub system. His playing career includes U17 Rural Week representation, USSA first XI for Tshwane University of Technology, and Kei Senior Provincial team selection.
He has coached at national youth level, including the Khaya Majola Week, CSA Hub Challenge, U16 CSA National Week, and U13 Boys Regional Week. Mawande is passionate about developing young cricketers and fostering long-term growth in the former Transkei region. 🏏
Lihle Mahlanyana
Hub Assistant Coach
Thembalihle Mahlanyana is a Level 2 cricket coach currently working with the Kei Under-16 boys team. His cricket journey began in 2007 at the age of 13, progressing through the Under-15, Under-17, and Under-19 levels. He started coaching in 2018 and has served as a Hub Coach, focusing on youth development. In 2025, he coached at the Under-17 Boys Week, continuing his commitment to developing young cricket talent. 🏏
Vuyo Gabela
Assistant coach
Vuyo Gabela is the Hub Assistant Coach at Kei Cricket, working closely with Nomandi Cricket Club to develop players from mini cricket to senior level for both men and women. He also served as Assistant Coach for the Kei Under-16 Boys Provincial Team at the CSA National Week in Paarl. Vuyo is passionate about youth development and believes that hard work beats talent when talent is neglected. 🏏
Onke Mampofu
Senior Women’s & U/19 Girls
Mampofu Onke – Head Coach: Women & U/19 Girls
Mampofu Onke is the Head Coach of the Women’s and U/19 Girls teams at Kei Cricket. His cricket journey began in 1995 through Bakers Mini Cricket, and he progressed through the Kei Cricket development pathway, representing the union at U/13, U/15, U/17, and U/19 levels before playing for the Kei Senior Men’s team.
He began his coaching career in 2019 as a Hub Head Coach, focusing on grassroots development and talent identification. Since then, he has taken on leadership roles within the women’s pathway and currently leads the Kei Cricket Women and U/19 Girls teams, where he is committed to developing young talent and strengthening women’s cricket in the region. 🏏
Lwando Mandzondzo
Head Groundsman
Since joining the team in 2023, Lwando has been a cornerstone of our operations, ensuring our facilities and playing surfaces meet the highest standards. His dedication, consistency, and pride in his work keep our grounds match-ready at all times, playing a crucial role in the success and professionalism of Kei Cricket.
Phinda Nquma
Facilities Support Assisstant
Phinda joined the team in 2025 and has quickly established herself as a reliable and valued member of the organisation. As a dedicated Facilities Support Assistant, she plays a vital role in maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. She takes great pride in her work, consistently contributing to the organisation’s daily standards of excellence.
Lusanda
Media and marketing
Lusanda Mbunye joined Kei Cricket in 2025 through the National Youth Service Programme, where she initially served as an NYS Administrator. After recognising a gap in community awareness and communication around cricket development, she transitioned into the Media and Marketing space. Lusanda studied Public Relations and Communication Management at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and now focuses on sharing the stories, impact, and growth of cricket across the Kei region while helping strengthen the organisation’s public presence. 🏏✨
