Have you seen Gerrie on a cricket field near you?
Western Extension resident Theodorus Hermanus Gerhardus “Gerrie” le Grange is only 1.28m tall, but lives every day of his life as proof that anything is possible.
BCT: Why do you choose to live in Benoni?
GLG: Benoni changed my life because it was here that I learned how to step out of my comfort zone, make friends and take opportunities.
One such opportunity was stepping into becoming a cricket umpire.
I have lived in many areas of Benoni; I moved here in 1992 and lived in Rynfield, but currently live in Western Extension.
BCT: You work at the Eastern Cricket Umpire Association in Benoni. Tell us more about that.
GLG: Yes, I umpire for the simple reason that I am in love with the game.
My role model for a number of years is Rudi Koertzen and I loved watching him umpire.
It was through watching him that I discovered my love for cricket.
BCT: How often do you umpire? Explain to the readers what it entails.
GLG: I umpire every weekend and being an umpire means you take control of two different teams and ensure they have one mutual goal – which is to play within the law.
BCT: Considering you are only 1.28m tall, what would you say is the biggest challenge you face as an umpire?
GLG: The biggest challenge is to keep a firm hand on the teams and to get them to respect me as an umpire.
But at the end of the day, the teams do have a lot of respect for me, despite my size.
BCT: Tell us about yourself?
GLG: After moving to Benoni in 1992, I completed my Grade Seven at Laerskool Northmead in 1993 and completed my secondary education at Hoërskool Brandwag in 1998.
I always joke and say that I am my brother’s half-brother based on my height.
My parents are very supportive of me and any decision that I make.
Sometimes they are over-protective, but that is all parents.
BCT: You are 36 years old – what are your future plans?
GLG: Well I am single, so any girls are welcome, but on a serious note, I would like to join the International Cricket Council (ICC) panel for umpiring and also visit India for the Indian Premier League (IPL).
My aim is to show people that with God in your life anything is possible.
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