Fast bowler Eldred Hawken joins Limpopo Impala Cricket
Hawken credited his family for his successes, saying they have been supportive from the first day he bowled his first ball.
POLOKWANE – Limpopo Impalas have required the services of fast bowler Eldred Hawken from the North West Dragons for the Cricket South Africa season which starts mid-September.
Hawken grew up on a farm outside Tzaneen and was schooled at Unicorn Preparatory School before moving on to Merensky High School.
He then moved to Pretoria to follow his dream as a professional cricketer.
“I was fortunate to play for the Titans for four years, and thereafter at the Lions for two year where I was honoured as player of the year. This was followed up by two years at the North West Dragons and I have now come full circle to the Limpopo Impalas.”
He said he grew up in a sporty family, with both his parents playing tennis.
“My father and all my uncles played cricket for the local club, The Hornbills Cricket Club, which is the former Ofcolaco Club. Through my father’s love for cricket and growing up next to the cricket field and following him to games around Limpopo, only grew my enthusiasm for the game. I played my first cricket match on the Polokwane C field where I scored 18 not out, while being on the field from the first to the last ball of the innings, and from there I was hooked.”
Hawken credited his family for his successes, saying they have been supportive from the first day he bowled his first ball.
“My family’s history in Limpopo stems far back. My father and uncle represented Limpopo, the former Northern Transvaal, and thereafter Northern Province country districts, which my father captained for many years. He also served an administrative role as the president of Limpopo Cricket for a number of years. I am glad to be back after spending almost a decade playing professional cricket around the country and hope to play a part in the success of Limpopo Impalas team, as well as grow some of the local talent.”
The 34-year-all rounder said the standard of cricket in the province has grown in leaps and bounds over the years.
“Cricket in the province is very different from when I was growing up, as it wasn’t in a professional era. The clubs were, however, extremely strong and there was a great culture. Today, there are still some passionate people trying to grow the game. Away from the provincial teams, I hope to see the club game grow to the strength it previously had. There are masses of talent in Limpopo and with the right structures in place the game can only go forward,” concluded Hawken.
