One of Saints Christian School’s biggest cricketing success stories is the SA u.19 batsman, Valentine Kitime.
Kitime (18) who matriculated at Cornwall Hill College (Pretoria) this year, was selected for the 2022 u.19 Cricket World Cup in West Indies from 14 January to 5 February.
Kitime is a former Saints Christian School learner who learnt the basics and shaped his game in Potchefstroom.
“One of my mentors is the current head coach at Saints, Ché Williams. Saints instilled values of hard work and dedication, which have shaped me ever since,” states this talented player who also played KFC Mini-Cricket at a young age.
Williams also has high praise for Kitime’s work ethic and character.
“Valentine was and still is an absolute pleasure to coach. He is very coachable and always willing to learn. He is the definition of hard work. He always pushes himself and constantly strives to become a better cricketer and person,” stated Williams.
Kitime is naturally over the moon at achieving the goal of participating in an u.19 Cricket World Cup in South African colours.
“It is a really proud moment. My goal is to perform as well as possible and enjoy the experience,” he added. Kitime understands pressure, having had to face some top-quality bowling during the recent CSA T20 tournament. Although the SA u.19 team failed to win a match, Kitime still impressed with the willow.
“That tournament was a good experience, especially with the added pressure of live TV. It gave me a chance to see where I stand against top opposition,” he stated.
At the moment, Kitime harbours dreams of playing professional cricket and representing the Proteas in the future. This dream starts in earnest with a good showing at next year’s u.19 Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean.
George van Heerden will captain the SA u.19 squad, featuring numerous talented players. The likes of Dewald Brewis, Ethan Cunningham and Liam Alder will be those to watch, come the tournament proper. South Africa has been drawn in Group B, alongside India, Ireland and Uganda. Their opening match against India will definitely be their toughest.
SA u.19 squad George van Heerden (Captain) (Warriors), Liam Alder (Lions), Matthew Boast (KZN Inland), Dewald Brevis (Titans), Michael Copeland (Boland), Ethan Cunningham (Western Province), Valentine Kitime (Titans), Kwena Maphaka (Lions), Gerhard Maree (Free State), Aphiwe Mnyanda (Warriors), Andile Sime- lane (KwaZulu-Natal Inland), Jade Smith (Warriors), Kaden Solomons (Western Province), Joshua Stephenson (Warriors), Asakhe Tshaka (Western Province). Travelling reserves: Hardus Coetzer (Titans), Ronan Hermann (Titans), Caleb Seleka (North West).
