The 17-year-old from Namakgale was recently selected to be part of the South African School’s Colts team. He was selected at the Khaya Majola Cricket Week in Potchefstroom in December, where he was one of the thirteen cricketers nationwide. He told the Herald he is over the moon with this achievement and humbled that someone like him who comes from humble beginnings, made the team. Ngobeni lost his mother when he was only 13 and he now stays with his older siblings, uncle and grandfather. “I realised that I had a talent for sports after the passing of my mother.

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“I would like to become one of the greatest cricketers in the world. “I’m determined, I make sure that I work on my craft day and night,” he said. He is a batsman and a wicket-keeper. He is currently doing grade 12 at Vuxeni High School. Ngobeni further added that his uncle, Hector Ngobeni, has contributed greatly to his sporting career and he appreciates him a lot. He plays for
Phalaborwa Cricket Club and the Phalaborwa Cricket Hub U/19. His word of encouragement to young people is to never allow your background to determine your future. “Whether you have parents or not, God loves us all.

“Focus on your dreams and you too can become something with your life, don’t resort to drugs and bad things,” he added. His sister, Colleen said she is very proud of him and he has always been a disciplined young man. “Shelton is passionate about cricket, I believe the sport is the one thing that helped him heal from our mother’s passing. “I love you and wish only the best for you,” she concluded.