Minnows to contest for World Cup berth

The ICC Development Program for Africa is to hold its first Affiliate Tournament at the Willowmoore Park Cricket Grounds in Benoni, South Africa from 19 ? 26 March 2004.

This event, part of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifying series will see the following countries, Botswana, Gambia, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda and Sierra Leone competing for a place in the second phase with the Associate countries. A South African development team will complete the line up for the Benoni tournament.

All the teams will arrive on the 19th March 2004. The teams will be split into 2 pools with the top two teams qualifying for the cross-over semi-final.

?It is a great opportunity for the African countries to showcase their talents on South African soil?, says Hoosain Ayob ICC Regional Development Manager ? Africa.

The tournament will culminate with a glittering presentation / dinner on 26th March 2004 where a number of cricketing dignitaries will be present.

One of the key strategic objectives of the ICC Development Program is to introduce an integrated and competitive tournament structure that provides a pathway for all member countries to compete internationally.

Thus structure provides increased exposure for all developing nations, allowing countries to set realistic targets for their own National Development Programs and measure the results on the field against other countries that are at a similar stage of development.

For the very first time the 47 Affiliate members of the ICC have been guaranteed a regular program of international cricket.