Amien Variawa was the vice-captain to Basil D’Oliviera when ‘non-white’ South Africa hosted Kenya in the 1960s, and an all-rounder of note.
Opening batsman Abdul Samed Bulbulia, off-spin bowler and reliable top/middle order batsman, Mohammed Garda and stylish top-order batsman Hassim “Keteltjie” Abrahams, also played against the Kenyans in that historic season.

Another honour they shared was… they all played for Crescents Cricket Club at some stage during their illustrious careers.

Muslims Cricket Club had its humble but subsequent illustrious beginning in 1919. In 1938, under the chairmanship of civic and political leader, Dr Yusuf Dadoo, it changed its name to Crescents Cricket Club. Based in ‘Malay location’ (later Vrededorp) Crescents along with College, Good Hope, Green Roses and Ottomans constituted the Transvaal Cricket Association.

During these early days the clubs had only one playing strip, resulting in non-fixtured clubs having to travel out for friendlies. This brought about the introduction of the game to the Reef, Pretoria, etc.

Some members of this marvellous cricketing family, the Bulbulias and others, who played under the Muslim Cricket Club banner, left the fold. They affiliated to the Witwatersrand Indian Cricket Union, stationed at the dustbowl of Natalspruit, Jeppe, in downtown Johannesburg. And so, Crescents Cricket Club in earnest was born.

Around 1960, Crescents dis-affiliated from the Wits Cricket Union, and re-joined the Transvaal Cricket Association (‘vietas’) under Ismail Mangera. Together with ‘Jimmy’ these gentlemen started its nursery - a lot of younger players were given a chance – the likes of Abu baker ‘Hurley’ Asvat, Anver ‘Salty’ Saloojee, Ali Karani and Moosa Mangera emerged.
During its affiliation to the TCA, Crescents garnered a host of honours (both locally and provincially). It was at this stage that other notable cricket luminaries were attracted to the club. During the 70s Crescents was led by Ismail Mangera, father of the versatile sportsman Moosa Mangera, who sadly passed away in November 2012. He presided over the club with disciplined diplomacy.

He was superlatively seconded by legendary, late Ahmed Mia “Jimmy” Bulbulia, an accomplished cricketer in his day, an astute manager, and a coach revered by many in cricket circles throughout the land. Jimmy was renowned for his innate ability to spot early, and nurture, talented youngsters. These stalwarts, Mangera and Bulbulia, remained resolutely loyal to the Crescents banner.

Meanwhile, Abu Bakr “Hurly” Asvat, had graduated as a medical doctor and returned to South Africa. He gracefully and successfully assumed the leadership of the club, forever remaining loyal and true to his two predecessors. Hurly, a strictly one team man, as documented elsewhere in this presentation, and his tireless band of lieutenants-in-command, were avowed Hassan Howa adherents. Coupled with his political affiliation and non-compromising steadfastness in all he believed in, was also a wonderful husband and father.

In 1977 the Transvaal Cricket Board was formed and Crescents was one of the founder members with its then president, Dr Asvat, was the first vice president of the board and later went on to become its president for 2 years.

The 1980’s was certainly the most successful era for the club, as it continued its sustained growth and development of youngsters, it also won the silverware on the field. In addition, the club continued to produce cricketers that went on to represent Transvaal at various levels. At the time of the 50th Anniversary celebration in 1989, the club had reached it pinnacle and was preparing for a great future. The untimely death of its President Dr Asvat, mercilessly gunned down in his Soweto surgery, was a major blow to the club. As always, the club rallied around friends and family and moved on from through this devastating time.

In 1995, with the onset of democracy in South Africa, a decision was taken to merge the clubs from Lenasia to form one club of strength that will compete at the highest level in Transvaal Cricket, taking the best cricketers from each existing club. This initiative, however well-meaning only served to dilute the strength of cricket in Lenasia. Crescents were the biggest club in Lenasia at the time with close on eighty playing members. The club took a leading role in the formation of Lenasia Cricket Club and invested its all in the endeavour – a sacrifice of 56 years of history for the betterment of the game in the community.

Over time, many aspiring cricketers and administrators were lost to the system and the representation of Lenasian Clubs at the highest level diminished.

In 2007, a small group of ex-Crescents cricketers, looking to play ‘social’ cricket reformed the club by affiliating one team to the Gauteng Cricket Board. Today, a group of zealous players and officials (past and present), as well as their die-hard families and friends, through their tireless efforts and determination, have made it possible for the cricketing fraternity to commemorate the club’s 75th anniversary a landmark in any organisations achievements. This season, 2013/14, will see Crescents CC affiliate seven teams to the various divisions of the Gauteng Cricket Board, can boast a strong administrative structure and over 100 playing members.

Let us honour the club, and make the 75th Anniversary a glorious and an unforgettable, sporting event.