Temba Bavuma Oval
Bavuma has scored more than 20 000 international runs and captained the Lions at first-class level. In March 2021, he was appointed as the new captain for the One-Day and T20 Protea teams, becoming the first black African to hold this position.
Temba Bavuma – Honoured as esteemed alumnus and current South African National Cricket Captain by St David’s Marist Inanda in naming of Temba Bavuma Cricket Oval.
St David’s Marist Inanda is proud to announce that the official renaming of the school’s renowned McGregor Oval to the Temba Bavuma Oval will take place at the Sandton Campus on Tuesday, 1 April. The renaming is in honour of illustrious St David’s alumnus, Temba Bavuma as a highly respected South African cricketer, a National T20, ODI and Test Captain of the Proteas, and philanthropist.
Temba’s journey from his early cricketing days as a youngster in Cape Town to the classrooms and cricket fields of St David’s to becoming the captain of the national team is an inspiring one and a testament to his exceptional talent, hard work, and dedication.
Temba Bavuma’s on-field achievements have been matched by his exemplary leadership off the field. His conduct, marked by humility and a relentless pursuit of excellence, embodies the values upheld by St David’s Marist Inanda. As captain of the Proteas, Temba leads by example, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and discipline that extends beyond cricket.
It is equally important to highlight Temba’s commitment to service and upliftment through his Temba Bavuma Foundation, which provides cricket clinics and supports the educational and cricketing aspirations of children from disadvantaged communities. The foundation has made significant strides in improving access to top-tier cricket facilities and education for children, including to St David’s Marist Inanda, in partnership with the St David’s Marist Foundation.
In recognition of Temba’s extraordinary achievements and as a symbol of his lasting legacy, St David’s Marist Inanda took the decision to rename the McGregor Oval – a beloved venue that has witnessed countless moments of school boy sporting achievement – as the Temba Bavuma Oval. This gesture honours Temba as the first St David’s alumnus to represent South Africa at the highest level of cricket and marks his monumental contribution to both his chosen sport and his country.
In a gesture of characteristic humility, Temba has expressed his deep gratitude for the honour and has agreed to the renaming of the Oval in his name. "Being honored in this way by St David’s, a place that shaped so much of who I am, is truly special. As an old boy, I have incredible memories of my time here. This is where my love for the game was nurtured, where I learned humility, discipline, and the value of resilience. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my journey, from school cricket to leading the Proteas," said Temba Bavuma, South African international cricketer who is currently the captain of the South African cricket team and proud St David’s Marist Inanda old boy.
"Having the cricket field named the ‘Temba Bavuma Oval’ is a privilege beyond words. More than just a name, I hope it stands as a symbol for every young cricketer who dreams of making it to the top. I’m deeply grateful to St David’s for this incredible gesture and for continuing to invest in the future of the sport." Said Temba Bavuma.
“We are incredibly proud of Temba and the example he sets for our boys,” said Mike Thiel, Executive Headmaster of St David’s Marist Inanda.“ His legacy is not only defined by his cricketing achievements but by the way he embodies the Marist spirit of service, humility, and excellence. We are confident that the Temba Bavuma Oval will continue to inspire generations of students who aspire to achieve significance, both on and off the field.”
The legacy of the McGregor family, who played a significant role in establishing the school’s sporting fields, will remain preserved. The original plaque commemorating their contributions will continue to be displayed as part of our heritage.
