CRICKET NEWS - Thembalethu High learner Enathi Kitshini has seen a stellar climb in his cricket career in recent years.

This year he has played in the Cubs Week, the Khaya Majola Cricket Tournament, the SA U19 game against England in Cape Town, and the Trinations Series where he faced Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

Currently he looks forward to taking part in the Oppenheimer Michaelmas Tournament in Pietermaritzburg next month. Last year, he captained the best team in this tournament.

In addition, he earned his professional place in the SWD Cricket team last season. He was named not only the best U19 bowler and the best all-rounder in 2024, but also was the best school cricketer of the year.

Enathi is very pleased to have played his first national match in Cape Town earlier this year.

George Herald chatted with Thembalethu High's principal, Conrad van Wyk, cricket convenor Hlanga April and Thembalethu Hub cricket coaches Lastword Tapfumaneyi and Mbuyiselo 'Nana' Sonti about this remarkable young man. 

The 18-year-old was born and bred in George, the youngest of six children - three boys and three girls. He comes from a cricket-playing family, and it was not at all surprising that he should fall in love with the game at age six.

The coaches said he started his career at MM Mateza Primary School, aged six, just before he moved to Tyholora Primary School, while playing for Thembalethu Cricket Hub. 

At the age of seven, he was identified by Thembalethu Hub and went on to play for the U13 and U15 SWD teams.

He has been playing for Thembalethu U19 since the age of 12 and took part in his first tournament when he was 13. In addition, he played for SWD Academy, the Colts senior team and the SA U19 team.

April said he met Enathi in 2023 when he arrived at Thembalethu High. He described him as a calm, collected, quiet and disciplined learner who is loved and respected by his peers. 

April said the school is very proud of this young man who, by playing for bigger outfits, has also put the school's name on the map.

Enathi says he is lucky to have friends who used to play cricket and who keep on encouraging and pushing him. 

His advice to up-and-coming young players is to always work 10 times better than yesterday, as hard work pays off. He also encourages them to be patient - when the time is right, things will fall into place.

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