THE ICC Men’s T20 World Cup kicked off this weekend with co-hosts India and Sri Lanka getting off to respective victories. As the tournament progresses, Northglen News will profile local residents in the cricket world to get their take on the tournament. We will chat to our residents to see who they feel will win the world cup and their most memorable moments.

A brief history

As the director of cricket at Northwood School former Proteas paceman Mornantau ‘Nantie’ Hayward is moulding and developing young cricketing talent in an effort to help them reach their full potential.

The 48-year-old played 16 Tests and 21 One Day Internationals (ODI) between 1998 and 2004 and regularly bowled at speeds of over 145km/h with the fastest ball by a South African ascribed to him at 154.4km/h.

His journey could have ended differently as it was another sport that caught his eye when he was growing up.

“Many people don’t know this, but my first love was actually baseball. I was a pitcher and represented SA at junior level, and my family also loved baseball. I only found cricket later in high school.”

A chance encounter with former Proteas player Kepler Wessels, who saw Hayward bowling, changed the trajectory of his sporting career to the point where he has played and coached around the world.

What is your earliest T20 Cricket World Cup memory?

“Perhaps the 2007 T20 World Cup. It stands out because it was the inaugural one and it was held in South Africa which made it that much more special. Unfortunately I didn’t get the nod to play in the format but it was great supporting the team.”

What is your most memorable T20 Cricket World Cup memory?

“Even though it ended in heartbreak for us I would say the last World Cup in 2024 where the Proteas made it all the way to the final. As an ex player you always want our boys to play well and lift the trophy. It was huge for the country because it was the first time the men’s team had reached the final of a T20 World Cup; hopefully this year we can go all the way.”

Who do you think will win this year’s World Cup?

“I would love for South Africa to win. I think if you look at the team and how the boys are performing at the moment, this is the team to make history and go one step further. West Indies are not a bad shout either, if they can get their bowling attack on song then they could be the team to beat. I still feel we have the talent to go all the way though.”

Which associate teams should we keep an eye on?

“Italy. They have a really good team with experience. Then you have a South African like Jon-Jon Smuts representing them. You also have a former Durban boy Wayne Madsen playing for them. I actually played with him at Derbyshire and I know JJ so I feel they are the team to look out for. It’s great to see smaller countries get the opportunity at the World Cup. It would be nice to see one of the minnows get a good upset over the bigger teams. It can happen, I always say in T20 anything can happen.”

Which Proteas player excites you or is one to watch this World Cup?

“I think because he comes from Uitenhague, the same town I’m from, it has to be Anrich Nortje. When he was 17 I picked him to go on a tour to India and already then I knew this kid would be playing for the Proteas one day. He has all the ingredients to be a top player, the pace, the aggression, the proper mindset. We keep in touch and talk quite a bit. He is my pick to watch out for.”

For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or  Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here