Tongaat’s Sebastian Govender refused to let a lifelong disability deny him his childhood dream of playing cricket for his country.

The 29-year-old has been selected for the South African disabled cricket team for the first time after playing an integral role for KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) at a recent interprovincial tournament.

Facing off against the country’s best disabled cricketers in Johannesburg, the wily left-arm spinner claimed 13 wickets in five games on the way to overall victory for KZN. Sebastian was named both player and bowler of the tournament.

“It’s been a dream since I started playing cricket to earn my South African colours,” said Sebastian.

“Growing up I was never sure if I would be able to play cricket at all, so to make the team is very special for me.”

Sebastian has limited use of both his right leg and right arm, which have been permanently set in one position since childhood.

“I cannot turn my hand at all. I can walk all right but my leg is also stiff,” he said.

“But just like I was born with those disabilities, I was also born to be a cricketer.”

Sebastian first started playing the sport at age 11 and games have been a near-weekly companion ever since. He began playing open club cricket at 16 and has been a member of Tongaat’s Railways Cricket Club for the past four years.

Railways teammates describe Sebastian as a friendly team member, but deadly spinner who can deliver both off and leg breaks. That adaptability will be useful on English wickets when Sebastian travels with the national disabled team for a tri-nations tournament next year.

“We are still waiting on details, but I know the tournament will be between South Africa, England and Australia. I will finally have my chance to wear the green and gold.”

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