Reabetswe Mokgoro is a one-of-a-kind cricketer who recently achieved an amazing feat in representing the SA u.17 invitational team during the prestigious CSA Cubs Week in Stellenbosch from 4-8 January. There, he got coaching tips from Proteas legends, Ashwell Prince and Roger Telemachus. Potchefstroom Herald decided to find out more about this THS Potchefstroom learner, who may be short in stature but tall in confidence.

School: THS Potchefstroom

Age: 16

Sports: Cricket

Best performance: Playing for the North West u.15 team against Griquas and scoring 38 (87) in testing conditions.

Highlight of the year (season ): Representing the SA u.17 cricket team at the CSA Cubs Week in Stellenbosch from 4-8 January this year. I got a call on 20 December from one of the NW members to say I had made the team. I was thrilled! I also represented my school’s first cricket team this year. I was selected as vice-captain for the u.17 North West team this year as well.

How did your passion for sport (cricket) develop?

It started in primary school when I was in Gr. 4 and through practice I made the NW team in Gr. 6 for the first time in 2011. Since then, I have been able to regularly make the provincial teams. I love playing on these high levels. Pressure brings out the best in me.

How do you balance school work and sports?

It is challenging, but I manage work it out. I am very dedicated.

Lessons that you learned from sports?

You are never fininshed. There are also two types of people – those who shout talent and those who whisper it. Through hard work, talent will be recognised sooner or later.

What makes Potchefstroom unique and where is your favourite place in town?

I owe where I am today to this city. Senwes Park has given me amazing opportunities and encouraged me to perform and learn from other great coaches.

Five items you want to take on a deserted island?

A dog, cell phone, roses and seeds, a  plane, in case I don’t like it there and a Charlaine Harris novel

Who is your hero?

Kyle Maynard.  He grew up without limbs but became a wrestler and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro without prosthetics.

Five people you would still like to meet?

Barack Obama, Michael Clarke, Tom Cruise, Steve Smith and Vanessa Hudgens

Three things that irritate you?

People trying to be older than they are, show offs and mosquitoes

Three things that make you happy?

Doing well in school, speaking in public, making people smile.

Describe your family?

I am the eldest of three children. I have a brother Remoneiloe (10) and a sister Refeiloe (7)

KFC or Pizza?

KFC

Bowlers you would never want to bat against?

Mitchell Johnson, Curtly Ambrose, Dale Steyn and Shoaib Akhtar