Five Eastern Gauteng cricketers make national team

The National Indoor Cricket team selected five Eastern Gauteng players to make the national squad during the Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT) tournament at ISE Boksburg – Gladiator Indoor Arena from July 12 to 15.

Those selected were Daniel Goosen, Dale Karg and Rico Blom from the U21 team and Reece Karg and Dylan Jordaan from the men’s open team.

One of the selected players and the team vice-captain, Daniel Goosen (19), explained the selection was not entirely based on statistics but on the player’s performance regarding batting, bowling and fielding and attitude.

Goosen said he started to play for Eastern Gauteng earlier this year with encouragement from his friend, who also made the national squad.

“I was lucky to have been coached by my friend’s father. He made sure he sharpened my skills and talent,” said Goosen.

He added that his ultimate goal was to partake in World Cup in Dubai later this year because his brother and other teammates are.

Karg (21) said he was introduced to indoor cricket as a winter sport because nobody played outdoor cricket in winter.

“I see myself wearing the green and gold colours representing my country,” said Karg.

He said being selected meant a lot to him because he had worked hard to be noticed, adding he felt honoured and blessed to be part of the squad in the national team.

Eastern Gauteng coach Johan van Staden said it was a massive achievement as a coach to have players selected for the national team, adding that it meant all the hard work and long hours had paid off.

“All the planning and strategising that goes into the game and months of preparations led to the decision of their selection because it is not a one-day decision,” explained Van Staden.

He said he was proud of the players and that the 10 squad members who didn’t make it to the national team could have easily made it.

The five selected players will represent SA on an inland tour.

Also read: Eastern Gauteng indoor cricket team champs of the IPT

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