LIMPOPO – At just 24 years old, Tom Mayes from Hoedspruit has taken an unconventional journey, from playing backyard cricket in the heart of the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve to honing his skills on the professional circuit in Ireland.

Tom’s love for the game began early, right in the “back garden” of his family home in the bush. “Some of the hardest pitches I’ve ever played on,” he laughs, recalling games with his dad and sister.

“My dad bowled his signature left-arm lollipops, and my sister brought serious pace with her right arm. Together, they made up one of the best bowling attacks I’ve faced.”

His mother watched the action unfold from the veranda, doing her best to shield the windows, and remains his biggest supporter to this day.

“Cricket was a huge part of growing up,” Tom says. “We had an incredibly talented group around Hoedspruit and a strong Southern Cross Schools team at every age level. I was fortunate to be surrounded by quality cricket from the start.”

Growing up on a game lodge managed by his parents, Tom and his friends turned bushveld cutlines and airstrips into makeshift pitches. “Property cutlines and airstrips out in the bush made for nice straight and relatively flat cricket pitches, where encounters with the local wildlife, mostly elephant, moved through the field of play! But we could get a game of cricket in fairly undisturbed.”

Tom’s structured development began with private coaching from Nico Pretorius in Hoedspruit. His talent led him to represent Limpopo at the u/11 through the u/19 levels. After a standout performance at the u/19 provincial week, he earned a place in the South African Colts team, and in January 2020, represented the Titans u/19 at the Cubs Week tournament in Stellenbosch.

Shortly after Cubs Week, Tom joined the Titans SSE Academy in Pretoria, where he met Chris Cardosa, a mentor who helped him pursue an opportunity in Ireland.

By 2021, Tom had officially begun his journey with Irish cricket.

On the field, Tom values repetition and consistency in both batting and bowling. “I believe in doing something over and over until it becomes second nature,” he says. His team works with a professional analyst who compiles footage on opponents to help tailor match strategies, focusing on both strengths and vulnerabilities.

When it comes to match day, Tom prefers a calm, relaxed routine. “I start with stretching, then a light net session with a coach tossing underarms. I bowl just enough to feel ready, no more, no less.”

To handle pressure, Tom leans on perspective and passion. “Feeling pressure is a privilege. It’s a sign I’m chasing my dream. I try to see pressure as an opportunity rather than something to fear. Music also helps; I sing in my head to block out the noise.”

He says setbacks are inevitable. “I try not to dwell on them. Instead, I refocus on the routines and processes that got me here. Staying positive and present keeps me motivated through the highs and lows of a season.”