#ICYMI: Cricketing duo aim for success

FOURWAYS – Wandile Makwetu and Curtis Campher hope to impress in the SA U19 cricket team and move on to the Proteas.

September 23, 2017

Nicholas Zaal 1 minute read

Wicketkeeper, Wandile Makwetu and all-rounder, Curtis Campher play for the SA U19 side. Photo: Nicholas Zaal.

Two budding Fourways cricketers are playing in the South African U19 team, and aim to reach the highest level of cricket in the country. Wandile Makwetu and Curtis Campher, both 18, do not share the same journey to the national U19 side.

But both play at St Stithians College, one of the best cricket schools in the country, and share the same passion for the game.

“I’m in love with cricket and have no other hobbies,” said wicketkeeper, Makwetu. “I actually had to lie on a school project once and make up hobbies for myself.”

Makwetu and Campher, a fast right-arm all-rounder, agreed that the team spirit and friendships formed in cricket made the game special.

“And if you work hard and put the time in, cricket will treat you well,” Campher smiled.

Makwetu is the most capped player in the SA U19 side, having played since the World Cup in Bangladesh in January last year.

“Establishing myself in the side has been a long and difficult ride but overall it has been an enjoyable experience. I have got to test myself against the best players.”

Wandile Makwetu is in love with cricket and has no hobbies besides it. Photo: Nicholas Zaal.

Campher played in his first tour in June and July this year and took his first international wicket.

Following in the footsteps of fellow Saints alumni, Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada and former SA U19 captain Wiaan Mulder, who now plays in the SA A side, the pair have learnt much from Saints cricket director, Wim Jansen.

“I always say to the boys to play to enjoy the game and the company around you, rather than playing for honours,” Jansen reflected.

Next up for the youngsters is a one-day series against England and Namibia in December.