Tsepo is a cricketing flower waiting to blossom

Aspiring cricketer, Tsepo Bopane, has gone from playing in the dusty streets of Alexandra to studying at one of the best schools in the country.

Bopane (17), from Tsutsumani in Alexandra, was identified as having cricket talent by captain of Alexandra Cricket Club, Brian Mathebula.

Mathebula, being a former Jeppe Boys pupil, spoke to the cricket coach of the school, Ronald White, about Tsepo and he was invited to trials at the end of last year. White was impressed by the talent of the young all-rounder and the school decided to give him a scholarship. Bopane is in Grade 11.

The right-handed batsman, who was studying at Alexandra High School last year, is a product of Bakers Mini Cricket, as it was called back then. Bopane said that from the time he picked up a cricket ball at the age of seven, it dawned on him that this was the game he loved most.

At the age of 10, Tsepo played in the Vaal national cricket week, and at 11 he was selected for the Gauteng regional U13 side.

The youngster said he was inspired by the current Proteas captain, AB de Villiers. “AB is my role model, not because he is the best player, but because he is a humble guy and is very passionate about the game,” said Bopane.

Christian, Bopane’s mother, said, “He always gives his best for the team and he has good leadership skills.

“I am so happy for my son as he shows signs of a good child with respect and discipline. I would like to encourage all parents to send their kids to play sport as it takes them off the streets, and they must support them.”

She added that when her son was playing cricket she dropped everything to go and support him, and urged other parents to do the same for their children, as this support goes a long way towards motivating them.

Bopane said that he would need to up his game, as had set his sights on making the Gauteng U19 team and, eventually, the national side too.