The Benjamin Brothers are batting and bowling their way to super stardom.
Jonathan and Nathaniel Benjamin are both based in Pietermaritzburg, making the most of their new opportunities to further their cricketing careers. Jonathan is currently an Intern Teacher at Pelham Senior Primary where he also coaches their sports teams. While helping the next batch of sporting stars, Jonathan is also honing his skills and keeping fit as he aims to break into the South African setup.
The road has been hard at times but Jonathan isn’t giving up and has had a few highlights already, including playing with a few of the Dolphins players. “I got to bowl to Robbie Frylinck and beat the edge a few times. It was a good learning curve.” Jonathan admitted that it was hard to get into the setup but that once he did get a step in, he would push to stay there.
He aims to get into the South African squad within the next five years.
Younger brother Nathaniel, who is at St Charles College, is also starring on the cricket field. Nathaniel recently competed in the u/19 World Cup trials. The best 28 youngsters were selected for trials and the top six are then chosen to participate in the national trials.
Nathaniel is a little nervous while he waits for the results but is proud of his achievements thus far. He can’t rest on his laurels though, as scouts continuously monitor the progress of the youngsters. “We get to play against some of the best players now, so I’m taking it one step at a time.”
While both boys are making names for themselves in Pietermaritzburg, they do miss the comforts of home. They thanked their parents for their support and always being there for them, as well as Dundee High School, who always allow them the use of the nets to train when they are home.
So keep a look out for the Benjamin Brothers as they are sure to be stars in the near future.