New Williamstown Congs coach Reg Mustafa is hoping to get the club back to where it was in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association.
It’s been a few tough years for the division 5 club, with COVID-19 and not having proper club rooms taking a toll on the club.
For Mustafa, who coached the club back in 2004-05, the time was right for him to step up again.
“It’s an exciting time to be around with new club rooms, amenities and facilities,” he said.
“I thought about going back to have another go and look forward to helping the club go forward.
“It’s my 30th year at the club since my first game there. I haven’t been to any other club.”
As well as previously coaching the club, Mustafa was captain of the club’s last first XI premiership in 2005-2006.
The club said he was an outstanding middle order batsman-wicket keeper who holds a great relationship with players and members of our club.
He is also a life member.
Mustafa said he was keen to help rebuild the club back to where it was. Last season, the side finished in eighth spot with just three wins.
“I’ve been around long enough and seen the club go through some hard times,” he said.
“It’s looking promising and we’re looking at a good team to get back on board.
“We’re reinvigorating the group with a few younger guys coming through the club. We’ll look to get some new faces into the club.
“We’re more of a social club that enjoys our cricket.”
While moving up the ladder is a focus for the club, off field is just a big focus for the club this season. The club has been in portable facilities the past three years, but now have the use of new facilities at J.T Gray Reserve.
“We want to get that community back to the club,” he said.
“The families, women and children around the club. We didn’t have the proper facilities for them.
“We want to get back to where it was and get families back.”
The club is aiming to have three senior sides this season, two in the VTCA and one in the Western Suburbs Churches & Community Cricket Association.
Mustafa said they were also keen to get a women’s side back up and running and want to expand their junior program which currently has two teams.
The Congs will start training on August 18.
Tara Murray
