Rising under-16 cricketer Xanelise van Dyk (14) is fast establishing herself as one of the province’s most promising young talents, driven by confidence, discipline and a growing belief that her cricket journey can go far beyond school sport. Based in Newcastle and attending Ferrum High School, Xanelise, who plays for the Tuskers Cricket Team, said her love for the game began early. “As a seven-year-old we had to play mini cricket at primary school, and I really enjoyed it,” she said.
A defining moment came in 2019 when she was named player of the day, for both girls and boys, at a KFC Mini Cricket tournament in Ladysmith. “That achievement sparked my love for the sport. I started practising and working harder,” she said.
Initially known for her bowling, Xanelise’s game took a new direction this year after Tuskers head coach Malibongwe Maketa identified her potential as a batter. “I always excelled in bowling, but with help from the Tuskers coaches and a lot of determination from my dad, my batting improved tremendously,” she said. Living three hours from Pietermaritzburg has meant long trips and commitment, but Xanelise said the effort has been worth it.
Read Full Article on The Witness
[paywall]
She said she also sees herself as an all-round player due to her love for fielding. Her belief in her ability was further strengthened in Grade 6 when she was selected for her school’s under-13 boys first cricket team. “That’s when I realised there might be something bigger to my cricket career than just a school sport,” she said. For Xanelise, cricket is also about identity and self-belief.
[/paywall]
