Springs teen scores big in cricket: named U14 Player of the Year
The young cricket player from Springs hopes to play professional cricket or become an accountant, like his dad.
From owning a cricket bat at just three years old to being named junior player of the year at 14, Michael Kelder is clearly destined for cricketing greatness.
Michael received the prize at the Springs Old Boys’ annual prize-giving ceremony on May 8. He was on a winning streak this past season, scoring 101 not out against Benoni Northerns.
His highest score was 120 against Duduza. He batted through the entire innings in a memorable match against Kwa-Thema league runners-ups.
Michael attended Laerskool Selection Park, where he played for the first cricket team in 2023 and 2024. Last year, he captained the team and was selected senior cricket player of the year.
“I proudly represented the regional Blesbokspruit team during that period, too. So far, the journey has been amazing, not only playing and enjoying the game but also learning more about it and making new friends everywhere I play,” Michael said.
He started high school this year at the Helpmekaar Kollege in Johannesburg, and talked about how he balanced his schoolwork and passion for cricket.
“I have a great support system. My parents, grandparents and the rest of my family support me all the way. Juggling my cricket and schoolwork does get tough, but I stay focused and try to prioritise where I can,” he said.
He added that his grandpa constantly reminds me to be humble and true to himself. Michael said he never allows challenges to hold him back but uses his father’s and coaches’ lessons to get through them.
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“My dad and coaches always talk about consistency, saying that in cricket, batsmen must consistently score runs. This past season was the first time in my short career that I felt I came close to that. I tapped into my hard work and God-given talent every time I went into bat, and knew God was always with me.”
His hard work paid off – he was the top run scorer in the U14 Eastern Impala League. He said his dream is to be a professional cricketer.
“If not cricket, then any career sports-related would be perfect. If all else fails, I will become an accountant, like my dad. My future goal is to keep scoring runs, working hard, believing in myself, and most importantly, enjoying the game,” he said.
His sports-fanatic father, Jan Kelder, was proud of his son, “He makes me extremely proud, and I wish him all the best. I will always be there for him,” Kelder said.
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