Florentia multi-talented sport star making waves in cricket and hockey

At 16 years old, Jessi Simpson from Florentia, Alberton, is making a name for himself in cricket and hockey.

His love for cricket started at a young age when he played on the beach with his uncles in East London.

That early exposure to the sport ignited a passion that would shape his athletic journey.

“In Grade Three, I joined KFC Cricket, and after gaining all the skills, I played for my primary school team from Grade Four until Grade Seven.”

Since then, cricket had been a major part of his life.

His transition to high school brought new opportunities and challenges.

After enrolling at Hoërskool Dinamika in 2023, Jessi worked his way up through the school’s cricket teams, eventually earning a place in the Easterns Cricket Union U17 regional team and securing a spot in Hoërskool Dinamika’s first team in 2024.

However, his journey to the first team was not easy.

“I went for trials, and not selected in the first selection,” he admitted.

Instead of giving up, he continued playing for the U16 team, determined to prove himself.

His hard work paid off, and they promoted him to the first team (U19).

Jessi was also recognised as a leader in the sport, serving as vice-captain of the Easterns U16B team in 2024.
His dedication and skills earned him the best sportsman of the year award at Hoërskool Dinamika in 2024.

Excelling beyond cricket

While cricket has been his focus, Jessi also excelled in hockey.

He first started playing hockey in Grade Seven but admitted he did not take it too seriously at first.

“I started putting more effort into it in high school,” he said.

His commitment led to him playing for Hoërskool Dinamika’s outdoor hockey team at the provincial level.

His biggest achievement in hockey came in December 2024, when he played at the Pro Series Indoor (PSI) Nationals in Cape Town.

The selection process for PSI was intense, with over 250 players competing for limited spots.

Jessi was one of only 16 players chosen during the trials held in Boksburg in October 2024.

“During the Pro Series Indoor, all provinces make one provincial team,” Jessi explained.

His selection for this prestigious tournament was a testament to his skill and determination.

Jessi is also a member of the Alberton Cricket Club and the Easterns Hockey Team, proving his ability to compete at a high level in multiple sports.

A unique athlete with an unusual skillset

One of Jessi’s most fascinating traits as an athlete is his ability to play with both hands.

Although he is dominantly left-handed, he bowls with his right hand as a fast bowler.

His hockey skills also stand out because he plays with his right hand.

His mother, Leo Roman Simpson, recalled that in East London, he was an all-rounder in cricket, but at Hoërskool Dinamika, the focus has been more on his bowling skills because of the school’s advanced sports programmes.
Despite his heavy involvement in sports, Jessi prioritises his academics.

“I always try to put academics before anything and use my spare time to focus on sport,” he said.

His biggest supporter has been his mother, who has encouraged him through every high and low.

“My mother always cheers me up after a bad game and helps me to remember sport has good and bad days.”

However, pursuing sports at a high level comes with financial challenges.

His mother revealed Jessi requires extra-length bats and sticks because of his height, which adds to the cost.

In 2024, the family had to buy his cricket bats from India to meet his specific needs.

Overcoming setbacks: injury and recovery

Jessi’s journey has not been without challenges.

One of his biggest struggles has been managing nerves before games.

A major setback came early in 2025 when he suffered an injury during a practice session at school.

He had to undergo reconstructive surgery on his finger on January 30, side-lining him for six weeks.

“I missed half of the season, and I feel a bit disappointed in myself for not being with my team at this time, as they need me the most,” he admitted.

He has been undergoing weekly physiotherapy at Netcare Alberton and expects to return to the field around March 21.

His coach, Jaques Venter, director of cricket and first-team coach at Hoërskool Dinamika, praised Jessi’s dedication and resilience.

“He has been an outstanding athlete at Hoërskool Dinamika, demonstrating exceptional dedication, discipline, and a genuine passion for sports.

“His natural talent, combined with his relentless work ethic, has made him a valuable member of our cricket programme. He is highly coachable, always eager to improve, and consistently applies feedback to refine his skills. His commitment to excel in multiple sports speaks volumes about his determination, athleticism, and competitive mindset.

“Unfortunately, his injury early this year was a setback, and his absence was deeply felt within the team. However, his resilience, positive attitude, and determination throughout his recovery reflect his strong character. “I know he will return stronger and continue to make an impact both on and off the field,” said Venter.

A bright future ahead

Jessi remains determined to come back stronger after his injury.

His journey in both cricket and hockey has been hard work, resilience, and impressive achievements.

With the unwavering support of his family and coaches, his future in sports looks incredibly bright.

Whether on the cricket field as a fast bowler or in a high-intensity hockey match, Simpson continues to prove that he is a force to be reckoned with.