Jordan Kinsley has come one step closer to his dream of a career in professional cricket.
Next year, the18-year-old Jordan will be leaving Newcastle to be a part of the High Performance Centre in Pretoria.
“I went for my trials on August 21, where I had to undergo a psychological, agility, fitness and net session,” he said.
Not long after the evaluation, Jordan was notified he had been selected to join the cricket academy.
“I will be playing cricket all year round, between two and three games a day, and I am really looking forward to it.”
Jordan started playing cricket at the age of seven, and soon realised that was what he wanted to do with his life.
“Cricket is a really humbling sport. One day you can make 100 runs and the following day, you can be out for a duck. You can never be better than the game and it is also a gentleman’s sport, as it teaches you respect,” Jordan emphasised.
Jordan said a lot of lessons were taught on the cricket pitch, which is why he encouraged others to play.
“Cricket teaches you if you work hard, you get results.”
Jordan intends to live up to these words at the High Performance Centre and aims to play for a first class club, once he completed his year.
“I don’t really mind which one, as long as I get to play cricket.”
Aiming to make a name for himself on the cricket pitch, Jordan said he owed a lot to his parents.
“My parents have been very supportive ever since I said I wanted to do cricket at a professional level. They have really gone out of their way to help my dreams come true.”
Amos Cassimjee, Jordan’s coach, has been the young cricketer’s instructor the past three years and finds him a pleasure to work with.
“Jordan has really worked hard, always pushing himself and listening. I am proud of his achievements,” he said.