Ex-Black Cap hails youth for boosting Pacific cricket

Former Black Cap Murphy Su’a has praised Pasifika youth for their enthusiasm and contributions to cricket.

“That enjoyment factor - that’s what Pacific people bring to cricket,” Su’a said, highlighting the unique qualities Pacific people contribute to the sport.

Su’a joined many proud parents at the Pasifika Cricket jersey presentation for the Under-19 teams.

He praised the opportunity for young players to get involved in cricket.

“It’s massive. These are so important of growing (talent) in Pasifika that rugby isn’t the only sport for our kids growing up, cricket is an alternative.”

The young players will don their pads at the Rangatahi Youth Festival over the next few days.

The festival, supported by New Zealand Cricket, was established three years ago after Ross Taylor advocated for more pathways for aspiring Pacific cricketers.

A South Asian side is among the competing teams at the tournament, further supporting pathways for smaller ethnic communities.

Pasifika men’s Under-19 coach Hussain Hanif says the tournament has strengthened that vision over the past three years.

Pasifika Under 19 Men's Cricket team. Photo/Eroti Navuku,

“For a very long time, Pasifika Cricket hasn’t had the ability with engagements like this, tournaments like this.

“We’ve had a lot of role models that have come from the past. And now with initiatives like this, it’s created more opportunities for young boys and girls too.”

Hanif said exposing the youth to more playing opportunities could also positively impact the international level.

“Initiatives like this are awesome, not only in Auckland and New Zealand but our home countries as well.

Photo/NZ Cricket.

“A lot of the boys and girls have represented their countries in the under 19, but also respectively in the national men's and women's teams as well.

“So it only boosts player pathways in terms of coming through this rangatahi tournament and international tournaments as well.”

Pasifika Men’s Captain Solomon Nash said that being part of the team has helped strengthen many players.

“It’s been awesome the stuff this programme has done for a lot of the guys. I know a significant amount of players who have gone on to play club cricket and made connections they never would have had without this.

Watch Murphy Su'a's full interview below.

“Seeing the growth this year with how many players came to training and signed up was pretty awesome.

“Also, it’s a great system to get connected to Pacific organisations like Samoa and Cook Islands cricket. Myself and others have represented Samoa in cricket, and I know a few others who have represented the Cook Islands.

“It’s a good system to get everyone a part of it.”