Eesterust cricketer spotted by Tuks
Marcelino Markgraaf, a nineteen year old young man from Eersterust was recruited to the University of Pretoria cricket team.
Thato Mahlangu
Eersterust-born Marcelino Markgraaf (19) has joined the University of Pretoria (UP) cricket club to chase his dream of a career in the sport.
Like most young men growing up in townships, those who want to stay off drugs and crime, dedicate their lives to sport – any sport.
Markgraaf, who was raised by his grandparents, Harvey and Tommy Moore, completed matric last year at the Eersterust secondary school.
“I did very well throughout my school years especially in my matric. My grandparents were proud,” he said.
His grandmother, Harvery: “My seun (son) has always been good to us. He treats us with great respect. He is always indoors, helping out where he can.”
Quinton Titus, his high school teacher, said Markgraaf had always been a very respectful, dedicated and disciplined pupil who performed well on the field.
“Marcelino is a great player. He listens to instructions and is a good team player.”
Markgraaf regards himself as an ambitious, self-motivated and grounded young person.
“In my generation, I think I am one the most respectful young people. I have strong values and morals. ”
Markgraaf said he never thought he would become a cricketer because throughout his primary school career, he had love for and only played hockey.
He said he started playing cricket only in 2010 when he joined the Eersterust cricket club’s junior team.
He was then moved to the Northerner’s cricket union (NCU) where he played for the under-15 and later earning an opportunity to go on a tour of Port Elizabeth.
And two ago, he was promoted to the senior league.
His talent has already earned him an accolade, top junior cricketer by Hilton college.
“I was the youngest player in the team,” he said.
Last year, Markgraaf, toured England, competing against its best under-17 cricketers.
Asked who his favourite sport star was, he said: “I’ve always looked up to AB De Villiers, who also attended the Tuks academy. He is my hero.”
Markgraaf’s UP scholarship covers only his sports-related needs with tuition fees not covered.
Markgraaf would like to pursue a career in teaching.
“I would love to teach mathematics, it is a subject I love.”
He has already started by tutoring pupils struggling in mathematics.
“I will do myself and grandparents, who worked really hard to get me where I am today, proud. I want to put my community (Eersterust) on the map,” he said proudly.
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