Beaulieu learner shows off his talent

A Grade 12 Beaulieu College learner was selected for the Lions Cubs side for next year’s edition of the Cricket South Africa National Cubs Week.

Eighteen-year-old Taheer Isaacs is no stranger to sporting accolades and was named the U17 Central Gauteng Lions Player of the Year in May.

“It’s always a happy feeling making the squad because I always work towards what’s after that. From the Cubs squad, it will be easier for me to make the South African side since the selectors sit and watch us play.

“I was really excited to be a part of that squad again to just prove myself and work closer to my goal of playing for South Africa,” he said.

He currently plays for Lions Academy U19 side and University of Witwatersrand, and also plays indoor and outdoor hockey for Beaulieu Hockey Academy.

“I’m hoping to learn how to work on my own. Like trying to work on my strengths, what I can focus on and trying to just play my game.”

Taheer started playing cricket when he was in Grade R and attributes two coaches as his role models who assisted him from a young age. He said Proteas batsmen Reeza Hendricks and AB de Villiers were two players he looked up to.

Taheer has been awarded a cricket scholarship to University of Witwatersrand where he is thinking of studying sports psychology. With his final exams now completed, he said he was looking forward to next year.

“I’m nervous and excited. I know more or less what to expect since I’ve been taken through the university. It won’t be too unfamiliar since I have hockey friends there.

“I’ve been speaking to them about what to expect when I’m there.”

He concluded that he was grateful for the support he had received from his parents.

“Everything I do is for my parents, just as a way to say thank you for all their hard work and all the sacrifices they have made.”