Standing to attention, right hand on your heart and belting out the national anthem in your country’s colours, in front of a passionate home crowd, is a feeling most sportspeople cherish.
Eastern and Benoni Northern’s cricketer Madison Landsman is on the verge of achieving such a feat.
The junior international got a taste of things to come when she turned out for South Africa’s U19 women’s team in a four-match series against Namibia and a Local XI made up of Lions, Titans and Eastern Storm players on July 13 and 14 at Willowmoore Park.
Landsman was part of coach Dinesha Devnarain’s squad that took part in a 10-day training camp to prepare for the inaugural ICC Women’s U19 World Cup in January on home soil.
“Playing in the green and gold has been a dream of mine for the last six years. To finally say I’ve done it is a feeling beyond words.
“This is only the beginning. It’s so exciting. Wearing the national colours is something I will cherish for the rest of my life,” she said.
Although the final team to play in the global showpiece is yet to be finalised, Landsman’s all-round performance in the series has given the selectors lots to think about.
She performed exceptionally well, breaking partnerships by claiming crucial wickets in the middle overs while also being solid with the bat.
CSA has planned a host of warm-up matches leading to the World Cup. This gives the all-rounder more time to grind hard and convince Devnarain and her selection panel before the final team is announced.
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“The team will be announced at the end of the year. Making that team will be a game-changer in my cricket career.
“The thought of having a shot at making it is extremely exciting and has given me, even more, drive to keep working hard. It’s made me fall in love with the sport and has motivated me more than ever.”
Her aggression with the bat and ability to persuade batters into making bad shot selections is a key part of her game and coupled with the abundance of talent in Devnarain’s squad, Landsman’s star will surely continue rising.
“There’s a lot of respect and unity in the group. Every player is working hard and driven towards being in the final World Cup team to bring the cup home.”
Her father, Glen is overjoyed as his daughter’s determination is slowly paying off.
“Madison’s self-belief and willpower are the reason she is where she is. We are immensely proud and overjoyed to see her achieving her dream. Seeing her in the green and gold was extremely emotional,” he said.
He has encouraged parents to support their children’s dreams.
“We have dedicated our lives to doing everything that we possibly can for our two children and always ensuring that their needs come first and they are happy and well-rounded.
“With what Madison has achieved so far, we must be doing something right. My wife Pam, our younger daughter Tatum, and I are without a doubt Madison’s biggest supporters.
“I believe that parents supporting and standing by their children must be the fundamental thing in raising a happy and successful child.”
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