Mom inspires love for cricket

He says he used to watch the game on TV but never had much interest. “My mom was the cricket fan and she bought me the full kit and even took the liberty of finding me a team,” a decision Xolane is grateful for.

He started as a bowler and says in the years his strength as a batsman slowly emerged and he ended up as a batsman.

The medium fast bowler also played cricket in high school and has also played in the Eastern Club B side (provincial).

He is now an all rounder since he is talented with both bat and ball. He beams with pride when talking about one of his most memorable games, which was against Avion cricket club in Kempton Park, where he managed to take seven wickets in four overs, “They were all out in just 15 runs,” he says.

Xolane acknowledges the contribution made by his former coach, Thomas Pekane. “He maintained discipline and groomed us to be the players we are today, he was our father and his work is still visible even in his absence.”

Even though he lost his mom in 2007, Xolane says this pushes him to continue playing, knowing that he is doing something his mother would definitely approve of.

The right-hand batsman says cricket is called the gentleman’s game for a reason and advises other youngsters to try the sport.

“It teaches you morals, self-discipline and going to practice takes up a lot of your time really keeping you away from trouble, it presents other opportunities like travelling at a young age and scholarships.”