Joshua, a hard worker at both wicket ends

Following a solid performance at the Shaun Pollock Cricket tournament in October last year, Joshua was identified for his remarkable all-rounder abilities on and off the pitch.

“I was never the best at cricket when I was in primary school, but when I started putting in the hours and getting my fitness up I realised that I really enjoy it and then I started working hard,” said Joshua.

No stranger to spending hours in the nets or working on his overall fitness, Joshua said that growing up in a home where both his parents and two brothers follow a regular and focused exercise regime has helped to keep him motivated.

“My parents are my role models and they help me to keep fit and motivated, because when I’m older I want to still be able to practice sport and keep active,” he said.

Currently working to build on last seasons’ results, which saw him pull off the remarkable feat of scoring
six consecutive half-centuries and two centuries in the local T20 u/14 school league, Joshua said he is looking forward to the challenges playing as a u/15 might bring.

“I like all formats of the game, but T20 really is by far my favourite,” he said adding that his cricket idol is Protea, Kagiso Rabada.

Although this year’s cricket season has not yet officially kicked off, he has been working hard in his spare time in preparation for the season.

“I try to fit in as much extra training as I can manage, but my other sport commitments keep me busy,” said the young athlete, who also competes as a track and field athlete, cross-country runner and plays rugby and hockey.

“I really enjoy each of the sports I practice, but cricket is by far my favourite. I do however find that running and especially javelin helps to prepare me for the cricket season.

The right-hand bowler said that one of his proudest moments was when he managed to score 79 runs, and took eight wickets for 20 runs in nine overs against HTS Witbank in a 50-over game.

“Cricket is a team sport, so it’s only with the support of my teammates and the dedication of my coaches at Penryn, Xolani Grootboom and Shaun Cross, that I have been able to perform during last season,” he said.

He added that the time and effort with his private coaches, Sifiso Mahima and Johan Rudolph of the Johan Rudolph Cricket Academy, have made a great difference in his skill and confidence.

In an attempt to raise the much- needed funds to send Joshua to Sri Lanka in April, his father Mark has organised a fund-raising golf day at Matumi, Mbombela Golf Course for March 2.

For more information, contact Mark Greeff on 086-111-6642 or email mark@mrawealth.co.za.