For Rieshaeel and Zaim Hashim, cricket has been part of their lives since they could walk.

What began as playful matches in their home corridor in Alberton has grown into provincial representation, national tournaments and international ambitions.

A passion born at home

Their parents, Muhammad Zeeshan and Gashiya Hashim, say the signs were visible from very early on.

“From a very young age, it was never just playing around in the house, corridor or backyard. It was always competitive. Their skills improved through time. There was a hunger to learn and improve, but it was always fun. That’s what we enjoyed most, the happiness on their faces,” they said.

Coaches soon began noticing their potential during their early school years and would approach the family to say the boys were different.

Rieshaeel’s love for cricket began almost as soon as he could walk.

“My mom said I always watched cricket with my dad whenever it was on TV. When I turned one, my grandparents from Cape Town gifted me my first cricket bat, stumps and a ball. From there, I never looked back,” he said.

For Zaim, the inspiration came from watching his older brother.

“When I saw my brother with a bat, I also wanted one so I could play with him,” he said.

What started as playful competition gradually sharpened their skills.

“We used to play for fun, but little did we know it was shaping our knowledge of the game. We are total opposites of each other, but one and the same,” said Rieshaeel.

Provincial recognition in 2024

The brothers’ dedication paid off in December 2024, when both were selected to represent the Easterns School Cricket Association.

Rieshaeel was selected for the U16 Easterns team to compete at the National Week Tournament in December 2024.

Zaim represented the U15 Easterns team at the Regional Week Tournament, also held in December 2024.

Competing at this level exposed them to higher-intensity cricket and stronger opposition.

“It taught me that I have a lot more to learn. There is never time to stop learning,” said Rieshaeel.

Zaim described the experience as an opportunity to test himself against top players and grow both mentally and physically.

Paarl Boys Tour 2025

The momentum continued when both brothers were selected to represent Hoërskool Marais Viljoen on the Paarl Boys Tour in Cape Town from January 7 to 10, 2025.

Rieshaeel played for the First XI, while Zaim represented the U15 side.

The tour exposed them to some of the country’s top cricketing schools and proved to be a defining experience.
“It showed me that I have to work harder and put in extra effort. There were times I did well and times I did not, but overall, it pushed me,” said Rieshaeel.

Zaim said the high-quality competition helped him understand the level required to compete nationally.
He added that the team delivered one of its strongest performances that season, finishing the year ranked third in the country with only one loss.

The mental game

Both brothers emphasise that cricket is as much mental as it is physical.

“I have worked hard on my mental state. You have to grow mentally to come out of tough situations,” said Rieshaeel.

Zaim agrees. “Cricket is 90% mental. Over the years, I have focused a lot on that part of my game.”

Their parents ensure that sport never overshadows education or character.

“They know education comes first. With cricket, success can make you big-headed. We remind them that with success comes responsibility. How you treat people speaks volumes,” they said.

Faith as a foundation

The family’s Islamic faith forms the foundation of the boys’ journey.

“Their whole life revolves around our faith. They know nothing happens without Allah’s will,” their parents explained.

They teach the principles of sabr (patience), shukr (gratitude), and tawakkul (trust in God).

Rieshaeel says putting God first keeps him grounded.

“You always have to put God first in whatever you do.”

Zaim shares a similar view.

“Nothing comes without the help of Allah. Whatever happens, happens for a good reason.”

Support and sacrifice

The 2024 and 2025 tournaments required financial, emotional and physical commitment.

Fundraising became part of the journey, and the family says the support they received was overwhelming.
“There are no words to describe what that meant to us. We were overwhelmed by the generosity and genuine care from family, friends, Marais Viljoen and even strangers,” their parents said.

With three sporting children, including younger sister Rumaysah, who also plays cricket at school, provincial and club level, balance remains key in the Hashim household.

Brotherhood above all

While achievements continue to grow, what makes the family most proud is the brothers’ relationship.

“Awards will come and go, but nothing makes us prouder than the fact that they are always there for one another. There is genuinely no competition between them,” their parents said.

The brothers say they motivate each other more now than when they were younger, pushing each other to improve while remaining supportive.

Looking ahead, the brothers continue to pursue new opportunities.

Rieshaeel is working towards Talent Accelerated Programme trials and aims to make the Easterns U19 side.

He has LPL fixtures coming up and also plays first-team hockey for his school, where he was named Best U19 Player in 2025.

He was also selected for the South African U17 Indoor Cricket team, with the Indoor World Cup taking place in Pretoria this year.

Zaim is targeting selection for the U16 National Week in cricket and the National Week in hockey.

He will also participate in LPL for Cavalier Cats while preparing for the U17 Indoor Cricket World Cup.
For both, success is about growth rather than trophies.

“Winning is not everything. It is the journey that makes a person the real winner,” said Zaim.