U19 Proteas call-up for two Noordheuwel cricket sensations

Stumps, hard-hitting sixes and team spirit are what Krugersdorp will soon witness from two talented players from Hoërskool Noordheuwel, who have been chosen to represent the Proteas U19 cricket team in a three-match 50-over series against Bangladesh.

JJ Basson and Corné Botha have been selected for the squads competing in two upcoming tournaments: the three-match Youth One Day International series from July 17 to 22 at Wilmore Park in Benoni, and the Tri-Series against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, which runs from July 25 to August 10.

The two boys have been sports teammates since their primary school days and have now reached the national level after demonstrating their hard work and talent.

JJ and Corné, who are in Grade 11 and Grade 12, respectively, say cricket has consistently been part of their lifestyle.

According to JJ’s father, Deon, his son has been playing the sport since Grade Two and has earned several accolades, such as being selected for the Gauteng Lions Cricket team and being included in the Cricket South Africa emerging side.

He became a first-team player for Nories in Grade Nine and is mainly a left-arm fast bowler. While cricket remains his main sport, Deon also mentioned that his son excels academically and also performs well in athletics.

”As a parent, there is only so much we can do, and I am proud to say that he is a well-rounded young man. He maintains an average of 80% academically, and he is always among the top 20 performers in his grade. He conducts himself well under pressure and is very disciplined,” Deon says.

Corné started playing cricket at the age of seven for Laerskool Krugersdorp-Noord. In Grade Five, he changed schools to Laerskool Kenmare, where his parents believed he would gain greater exposure in all the sports he participated in at the time.

According to his mother, Ester, his other sports achievements include being part of the Central Gauteng Lions pipeline from U11, earning provincial colours every year since. He also played his first U16 National Week for Central Gauteng Lions in 2022 and was elected captain of the team in 2023. An all-rounder like JJ, he also receives recognition for his bowling.

”Corné is a very versatile cricketer, and depending on the circumstances and team he plays for, he will bat in any position and can bowl effectively with both an old ball and a new ball,” Ester says.

She also expresses that, as a family, they are very proud of Corné and eager to see him shine during the series.

“It’s been a long journey with lots of commitment and determination to earn his spot on the SA U19 side. Cricket is a highly technical sport, requiring continuous effort through long practices and extended games. It demands sacrifices. Matches are often on Saturdays and Sundays, meaning you give up your entire weekend for cricket. Many tournaments take place during school holidays, and there is no off-season; Corné plays all year round. Seeing your child excel in a sport he loves and sacrificing so much to be part of it makes you realise how much he truly loves the game,” she says.

The games will be broadcast on SuperSport Schools, DStv channel 216, where both the boys will be in action to showcase their talent.