27/08/2026
🏏✨ CATCHER OF THE WEEK: ALUTA MKHOHLIWE ✨🏏
Known affectionately as Lulu, or “Sisi’s Lulu” to her players, Aluta Mkhohliwe is a proud Mthatha-born cricket enthusiast whose journey with Kei Cricket began in 2015.
Her journey started when she completed a Mini Cricket Course under Aphilile Mapekula. In 2016, she was introduced to scoring, which sparked another passion. She later developed an interest in coaching and enrolled in a Level 1 Coaching Course, marking the beginning of a journey that would see cricket become deeply woven into her life.
From being a Mini Cricket coach, Aluta progressed into Messo Cricket in 2017, where she was introduced to hard-ball scoring for the Under-11 and Under-13 teams. From there, her coaching journey continued through the Under-16s, Under-19s, Women’s and Men’s teams.
When Ms Khundla relocated, Tabase was left without a leader. Aluta stepped up, using the knowledge she had gained in team recruitment and administration to ensure that cricket continued to thrive across the teams.
Reflecting on one of her proudest moments, she says:
“It gave me a great joy in 2022 when her work started paying off when her players were being chosen and started travelling for weeks. Ever since then, from Under-13 up to both senior teams, every year my players are featured.”
As a woman making her mark in a traditionally male-dominated sporting code, particularly in rural communities, Aluta’s work speaks volumes. Her name can be found across various levels of cricket, from Mini Cricket to senior cricket.
Her contribution extends far beyond coaching. She is currently the Scorers’ Chairperson, having served as secretary for the past two seasons. She was also recognised as the Most Committed Scorer of the Season at the closing ceremony.
Aluta has travelled with numerous teams in a managerial capacity and currently serves as the Kei Women’s Provincial Team Manager. The captain of the team is also one of the players she has coached along the way. She is also a Level 1 Umpire, continuing to expand her knowledge and contribution to the game.
She remains committed to learning and continues to attend workshops provided by Kei Cricket, believing that these opportunities empower her to serve her players and community even better.
For Aluta, cricket is about much more than the game. It is about creating hope and giving young people something positive to hold onto, especially in communities where young people are exposed to substance abuse and other challenges.
“The little that I can do goes a long way.”
With over 50 players in Tabase alone, Aluta’s dedication is undeniable. She says she breathes cricket, finds joy in cricket, and that her entire life is cricket.
Above all, she treasures every moment of seeing her players “flying high.” ❤️🏏
From Mini Cricket to provincial cricket, from coaching to scoring, umpiring and team management, Aluta Mkhohliwe continues to show that passion, commitment and consistency can create opportunities for an entire community.
🌟 Congratulations, Lulu, on being our Catcher of the Week!
🏏❤️ Your work matters. Your players are your legacy. Your story is an inspiration.
Follow Kei Cricket for more inspiring stories from the people who continue to grow and strengthen cricket across our communities.
