Michael Thomas and Stellenberg’s exciting cricketing evolution
SuperSport Schools Plus asked Stellenberg 1st XI Coach Michael Thomas: “What’s one thing that you’d like people to say about this current team when looking back down the road in five years?”
“Above all else, I want people to look back and recognise us as a team of fighters. We don’t see any need to back down from a challenge,” Thomas replied.
After the Covid-19 pandemic halted a successful start to Stellenberg High’s cricket evolution under Michael Thomas, the 1st XI coach spent some time indoors, sitting at his desk, and devising a plan to ascend the pecking order of Western Cape schoolboy cricket.
“I started in 2019, where we had a great season, winning 23 out of 25 games. I left because of Covid-19, and I returned in 2023, with the belief that we could build something special.
“I produced a plan to build teams over a three- to four-year period.
“I believe in experience, which is why we currently have more than seven players with over 60 caps. Last year, we had Kyle van Santen reaching 100 caps, and this season, Gerrard Kamalie will also reach 100 caps,” Thomas said.
“If you’re good enough, then it doesn’t matter if you’re younger than some of the other players. You can play u19A cricket. Part of the plan involves remaining consistently competitive. That’s why you need loads of caps.
“Currently, I am at 130 games as coach of the Stellenberg High 1st XI. Ending fourth at the Wildeklawer Cricket Festival last year is something which I also see as a highlight and a sign of progress.”
When asked about who introduced him to cricket, Coach Thomas responded: “My Dad. He bought me my first Gunn & Moore cricket bat when I was 3 years old. That got me going.”
His passion for coaching developed soon after he entered adulthood: “I always had a passion for teaching children, and had been wanting to give back what the game had given to me as a player over all these years,” he explained.
“I wanted to coach at the top level, and will always be grateful for the opportunity which Stellenberg awarded me back when they approached me about the position. Cricket is a sport that has always brought me comfort.”
Reflecting on some of the highlights of his time in cricket, Thomas said: “I played provincial cricket from u13 to u19 for Western Province. I then played One-A level cricket for 13 Seasons at Durbanville Cricket Club.
“As a coach, winning four times in four matches at the Paarl Boys’ High Festival in 2025 and 2026, beating Paarl Gim u19A in 2023, winning three Interschools matches versus Hoërskool Durbanville, and also winning the Northern Suburbs competitions last season in both the 25- and 50-over formats.”
Thomas also shared his sporting heroes with SuperSport Schools Plus: “As a player, my favourite cricket hero was Steve Waugh – hard as nails, and he never backed down from any challenge. Coaching-wise, Gary Kirsten always impressed me. He always speaks positively and remains calm.”
Turning the focus to the Stellenberg 1st XI, coach Thomas said he prioritises consistency: “I always wanted a team that will fight, but still do the basics well.
Over the years, we have learnt how to win the small battles; we do it by always doing the basics well. We are now starting to find consistency as a result.”
Stellies recently defeated both SACS and Rondebosch Boys’ High, and went down to Wynberg Boys’ High by a single wicket, in successive weeks – concrete proof that the evolution is charging full steam ahead.
Those results have made people sit up and take notice. Now, the focus is on maintaining that consistency. It’s Michael Thomas’s priority, and it has helped Stellenberg shake up the schoolboy game.
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