By Siphiwo Dlamini
MBABANE – The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Level 1 Umpire Tutors Course, held at Bethel Court Hotel in Ezulwini from April 16–18, 2025, marked a milestone in cricket development for Southern Africa.
Master Educators Lauren Agenbag and Tom Mokorosi—the latter appointed by the ICC in 2023 to elevate umpiring standards across Africa—led the intensive three-day program, which brought together participants from Eswatini, Botswana, Lesotho, and Mozambique.
Day 1: Collaborative Beginnings
The official opening took place on the 16 th of April which saw Zama Tsabedze of the Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council commend the Eswatini Cricket Association for its consistent excellence, referencing its prior accolades. The course immediately immersed attendees in foundational umpiring principles, blending theoretical knowledge with practical insights from Agenbag and Mokorosi.
Day 2: Skill Refinement
Participants engaged in one-on-one feedback sessions, outdoor practical assessments, and role-playing exercises. Activities included a philosophical teamwork discussion, matchday simulations, and self-evaluations of recent games, fostering critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving.
Day 3: Celebrating Progress
The final day emphasized knowledge consolidation, with educators highlighting the importance of mentorship in nurturing future umpires. Mokorosi, leveraging his experience as a Cricket South Africa elite umpire, stressed adaptability in modern officiating, while Agenbag emphasized inclusive leadership.
A Regional Step Forward
The course concluded with participants equipped to train umpires in their home countries, bolstering cricket’s grassroots growth. The Eswatini Cricket Association reaffirmed its commitment to regional development, aligning with national goals to enhance sports infrastructure and expertise.
“This initiative strengthens the backbone of cricket officiating in Southern Africa,” said a representative from the association. “The dedication shown by all candidates promises a brighter future for the sport.”
As attendees return to their nations, the ICC’s investment in education signals a renewed focus on standardizing excellence across the continent’s cricketing landscape.
