For many children, weekends are a time to relax.

For Grade 6 learner Ethan Meyersfeld, however, they are spent on the cricket field, in the nets, or practising in the garden with his brothers.

Ethan was recently selected for the U12 Central Gauteng Inter-Provincial Tournament squad for the second year in a row. According to him, this achievement is another important step in his cricket journey, which began when he was just five years old. “I really started getting into cricket because I was inspired by my brothers, Jamie and Benjamin, who grew up playing and loving the sport.”

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Ethan pointed out that he grew up admiring players and dreaming of representing his province one day. Now, wearing the Central Gauteng cap has become a reality he does not take lightly. “Playing for Central Gauteng is very special to me. A lot of great players have played indoor cricket, like Kwena Maphaka, Connor Esterhuizen, and Tony de Zorzi. It’s incredible to play wearing a Central Gauteng cap and just do my best.”

He explained that this selection did not happen overnight. This season he had countless hours of practice, matches, and support from coaches and family members who encouraged him across multiple cricket formats, including school cricket, club cricket, and indoor cricket. “It’s been a lot of practice and training with my team at Redhill. The morale and encouragement I get from cricket in general is incredible.”

One of the biggest developments in Ethan’s game this year has been his switch from pace bowling to leg spin. “I bowled pace for years, but recently I changed to being a leg spinner. I think my bowling has become the main thing I bring to cricket, along with my passion for the game.”

Ethan said the support system around him has played a major role in helping him improve. He gave Redhill coaches their flowers for helping guide his journey, while also crediting his teammates for creating a strong and supportive environment. “The U12 team at Redhill is very strong.”

Ethan elaborated that balancing school responsibilities with training and matches is still manageable at his age, although he understands that it becomes more demanding as players get older. “Cricket is not a quick sport, especially the longer formats. Playing on Saturdays and Sundays can take away a lot of your weekend and study time, but at my age, it’s still a bit more manageable.”

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One of his proudest moments of the season was being officially capped at the provincial ceremony. “For me, it meant a lot, and I think it is really special because they always invite someone who has represented South Africa.”

As preparations continue for the tournament, Ethan’s focus remains on hard work and consistency. “I have been having loads and loads of practice, whether it’s in the garden with my brothers, in the nets by myself, or at indoor training sessions.”

Looking ahead, Ethan already has clear ambitions for the future. “My goals and dreams are to one day play for the Lions, and maybe even for the Proteas.”

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