Ambitious Lungi spins his dreams
The Kloof local has quickly made a name for himself in the sporting world due to his prowess on the cricket pitch.
SOUTH African cricket sensation, Lungisani ‘Lungi’ Ngidi, embodies the very essence of the saying, ‘success favours those willing to work hard for it.’
He grew up in Kloof on the premises of Kloof Junior Primary School with his parents, a domestic worker and a member of the school’s maintenance staff at the time.
Lungi was determined to follow in the footsteps of cricketing legend Makhaya Ntini.
“When I was seven, I was sitting on the embankment of the school’s cricket field watching a ‘Dads and Lads’ game when someone asked me to join in, setting in motion my career to date.”
Now living in Pretoria, Lungi’s dedication won him bursaries at Kloof Primary School, Highbury in Hillcrest, Hilton College, the University of Pretoria and a rightful place as part of the national cricket team.
“My journey started with humble beginnings. I don’t come from a place of wealth and that has become the motivation that I needed. As the breadwinner in my household, it has pushed me since the very first day to offer my family a better life.”
Lungi is featured in the third visual collaboration series by Three Ships Whisky, celebrating exceptional South Africans. He has crafted a future for himself despite many obstacles.
Lungi’s inspiring story brings the collaboration series of Three Ships Whisky, featuring a number of inspirational and tenacious South Africans digitally, to life. The Made Exceptional. Made Here campaign visually portrays the story of Three Ships Whisky’s success from a country that, in the traditional sense, was never destined to make whisky.
“I’m not an overnight sensation and its definitely not merely luck. Mastering the art of fast bowling was a slow and repetitive process. It’s about repeating the same action over and over, again and again.
“Talent can only take you so far, but hard work combined with talent can take you to the top.”
Lungi said representing South Africa has always been a dream.
“I still remember the very first day I played for South Africa when I was 15 years old. I was short of breath, my legs felt like jelly. It was an incredibly emotional moment for me. It still happens to this day – the goosebumps are still there!”
Lungi said winning is so much better when you’ve had a number of challenges to overcome to get there.
“It’s what makes us South African’s so unique. It’s what we are known for, it’s what we do. Quitting is never an option.”
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