Cricket Netz comes to Westgate Mall

A 13-year-old has turned his love for cricket into a business opportunity.

Keown Bodha brought Cricket Netz to Westgate Mall and just for R6 an over, cricket enthusiasts can challenge their skills against a bowling machine.

“I love playing cricket and this is a way to expose the sport to other children at a cheaper price. This is also a way to meet other children my age who are into the same sport as I am,” said Keown.

Young and old can find the nets at the mall’s parking lot where they will be supplied with gloves, pads, helmet and a bat.

The bowling machine delivers balls of varying line, length and pace, making it suitable for beginners in the sport to the advanced.

Keown had the idea a couple of months ago while playing cricket and approached his father Navine to help him realise his idea.

Navine, an automated software engineer had access to the bowling machines and is able to build them from scratch. Home installations are also possible.

“I was sceptical when Keown brought this idea up but after a few weeks I thought maybe he could be right especially during the Cricket World Cup when interest in the sport is high,” said Navine.

Navine then met with the mall’s centre management who gave the idea the go ahead.

“When parents bring their children to the mall, the children are always unhappy because there is never much to do. But with this idea, both parents and children are happy. And this is a great way to get children away from the television and being active,” said Navine.