World’s number two Test bowler has roots in Mohlakeng
Kagiso Rabada, the number two Test bowler in the world has roots in Mohlakeng, Randfontein. Here's what he had to say to the Herald ...
The world’s number two Test bowler, Kagiso Rabada, has roots in Mohlakeng, Randfontein.
Kagiso has taken the cricketing world by storm with his pace and wicket-taking abilities and is definitely going to be one of the first names on the team sheet for the Proteas (men’s national cricket team).
The 23-year-old, whose name means ‘peace’, currently prides himself having taken 151 wickets in just 32 Test matches and boasts a batting average of over 21 as well as an economical 3,31 runs per over bowled. He made his Test debut against India, far away from home, but home is what he is proudest of.
Kagiso’s mother was born in Mohlakeng and he feels that his roots are firmly grounded there.
He was one of the stars at the Gauteng Sport Awards hosted at Silverstar in Mogale City recently where he won Sportsman of the Year in Gauteng. He was up against nominees such as Protea teammate Lungi Ngidi, Springbok winger Aphiwe Dyantyi and wrestler Malcolm Erasmus.
Banyana Banyana midfielder, Refiloe Jane, won the Sportswoman of the Year in Gauteng.
Kagiso was accompanied by his aunt, Windy Aphane, a teacher at Phandulwazi Primary School in Mohlakeng. She is also a sportswoman of note, having been an athlete and netball player in the past.
Some big names in attendance include the national Minister of Sport, Thokozile Xhaza and her deputy Gert Oosthuisen; Gauteng MEC for Sport, Art, Culture and Recreation, Faith Mazibuko; Rand West City Executive Mayor, Mzi Khumalo; MMC for Sport, Art and Culture, Nontombi Molatlhegi, and Mogale City Mayor, Naga Patrick Lipudi.
Khumalo promised that the Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM) plans to honour Kagiso with a dinner function in the near future.
“I am living my international dream. All I want is to be the best. I want to dedicate this award to those who supported me,” Kagiso said.
The Gauteng Sportsman of the Year Award is the latest accolade to add to his handful of awards from Cricket South Africa.
He went on to say that it is just a perception that kids and youth in townships cannot play cricket and that there must be nothing in the way of kids from previously disadvantaged communities. If they have a passion for cricket, the challenge of facilities must not be a stumbling block and it is solely the responsibility of local authorities and federations in sport.
“Kagiso comes to visit his grandparents in Mohlakeng when his tight schedule allows,” said his aunt.
Kagiso added, “Mohlakeng is very special to me because it’s my mother’s birthplace.”
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