Cricket Captains. In the next few weeks, Schools That Rock, will be chatting to 1st team cricket captains of schools across South Africa. Our third ball is bowled to Dale Jansen, cricket captain of Point High School in Mossel Bay.
“I started playing cricket at the age of 7 years old and never stopped loving it. The reason why I started playing cricket is because I have a natural love for the game and cricket runs in our family.
I was selected as captain in grade 6 for the first time and I still learn a lot about the game every day. The qualities, I think a cricket captain should have, is being an example to the rest of my mates along side me off and on the field. Setting a good example for the youth look up to me and helping them out.
Our first team have three training sessions per week on Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays.
When I played my first game, I was extremely nervous, but also relaxed at the same time. I think a good cricket player should just have a good mindset and good body language. My key for success on the cricket field is just that I want to see us playing as a team and seeing good energy on the field.
Inspiration
My dad is my inspiration. I really look up to him and knowing I’m just playing with my friends and playing for everyone in the team. My role model cricketer is Rohit Sharma. He is an Indian international cricketer. He is the captain of the Indian national team in limited-overs formats and the vice-captain in Test cricket.
I prefer batting to bowling. I see myself as a batsman. My most memorable match I played was when we bowled Oakdale out for 38 runs. That’s a team effort that will never be forgotten because of how confident the boys went into that match.
My favourite batting shot is playing the straight drive and the cover drive. Those are my favourite shots by far.
I manage stress on and off the field by just having a good and positive mindset, enjoying myself and having fun. In difficult times on the field, I will always go and have a chat with our coach and just ask him advice on improving.
Entertainer
If you ask me who is the entertainer of our team, it is Kyle Moodley – definitely! The person in the team who always surprises me on the field is Zane. I really love batting with him for he’s a good batsman.
Our team do have a pre-match ritual we follow. We all come together in a huddle and say visse break.
Yes, I do watch cricket on television. You can really learn a lot about the game and improve you technique.
During my free time, I spend time with my friends and family and I do my school work.
If I have to describe myself in one word – Passionate.”
Photo supplied
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