Local follows in footsteps of the greats

Khaya, who has been selected for the provincial team for the past four years, was offered a fully-paid bursary by one of the best cricket schools in South Africa, King Edward VII School (KES) in Johannesburg and the Gauteng Cricket Union.

“I was speechless. I couldn’t believe it. I’ll be among the great of the great,” said Khaya.

Last year at the national u/13A week, he had a batting average of 30 – the best of all the Puma players. He also attained the best scores in the super league, 130, 100 and 101 not out.

“I have been involved with Khaya since he was u/7 and have been his coach for seven years now. It was only a pleasure to coach him and I wish him the best of luck. Also a big thank you to Basie Ueckermann who was also part of this success story,” said Albert van Putten.

This year Khaya will play for Hoërskool Bergvlam’s u/15s. “When I was u/10, my coach gave me a picture of Graeme Smith. Since then after every practice I would write down something new I learned and it keeps me motivated. I’ll miss my friends and my family, but this surely is a dream come true.”

Former and present Proteas, Neil McKenzie, Smith, Quinton de Kock, Themba Bavuma and Steven Cook are just a few who went to KES. “I want to follow in their footsteps. I have always watched the sport on television and I would think what I can do for the sport.”

Khaya sees himself playing for the Titans after school and hopefully for the Proteas one day. “Thank you to Albert, Basie and my dad. They have done a lot for me, and I won’t ever be able to repay them.”

Between 2011 and 2015 he scored 1 618 runs with a batting average of 52.

Statistics
2011
• batting average 127 and 12/69 in 25 overs

2012
• batting average 93,25 and 22/127 in 64 overs

2013
• batting average 65 and 19/119 in 48 overs

2014
• batting average 25 and 20/163 in 66 overs

2015
• batting average 46 and 10/160 in 46 overs.