It is now or never as he puts the red cherry in his hand. His nerves have to switch to fiery adrenalin with the years of practice needing to count more than ever. His captain is desperate for a wicket. A few balls later, he delivers not only one but a precious five wickets in a magical leg spin bowling performance.

This happened to NWU Pukke’s Katleho Leokaoke, who took a match-winning 5/26 in the National Club Cricket Championship final against Tuks in Pretoria on Wednesday, 27 April to bag the man of the match reward in his best performance to date.

“I remember I was really stressed before I came on to bowl as Tuks were in control at 182/2. I knew that I needed to get a break-through as that was the only way to stop the runs. I never expected to pick up five! It was a really special day to win the trophy with the Pukke boys,” he says.

This was a cricketing breakthrough of note, after a long journey which all started in the small town of Stilfontein at Strathvaal more than a decade ago when he put his hand up in school.

“Our teacher asked who wanted to play cricket and I decided to give it a chance. I am glad I did because it is a big part of my life. It makes me happy and focused. Cricket is everything,” says the former head boy of HTS Potchefstroom.

“One of my greatest school cricket memories was when we beat Gimmies in 2013. I also scored 80 against Volkies in my last game for my school,” he says proudly.

Leokaoke used the opportunities that were  afforded to him wisely and has taken his North West Cricket bursary full circle – playing at the North West Dragons as well as making a name for himself in the NWU Pukke squad.

“Eddie Leie is my current role model as I am a leg spinner, myself. Leg spin bowling is an art and it is something I really practise and focus on. I have learnt over the years that it takes real effort. I would say that Jimmy Kgamadi has had the biggest influence on my career. He has been assisting me since I was ten. He is a great coach,” says Leokaoke.

This has been the best season in Leokaoke’s cricketing life and he hopes to continue the success in the coming years at first-class level.

“I want to continue playing well for Pukke and the Dragons. My five-year goal is to be part of the Lions Franchise team,” he adds.

“Pukke’s win was the icing on the cake for me this season. The team spirit in the Pukke and the North West Dragons teams has been fantastic. The coaches, Monty Jacobs (NW Dragons) and Conrad de Swardt (Pukke) really make you feel part of their teams. I cannot be happier at this moment.”

His bright white smile says it in the final pose with exactly that same five-wicket match-winning red cherry firmly in his right hand.

Coaches on Katle

* Monty Jacobs (NW Dragons coach)

“Katle always has a smile on his face. He is one of the most cheerful and optimistic players in the team. It is great to see his self-confidence building each month and I believe he still has a lot to offer as a cricketer.”

* Jimmy Kgamadi (NW Dragons assistant coach)

“I have been part of Katle’s cricket since he was a young boy going through the youth programmes and getting bursaries at HTS Potch and now at Pukke.

He was a definite talent and it is great to see him performing on a big stage. It has not been easy but his commitment has shone through. Katle is a real hard worker and I am thankful that it has finally paid off.”