\u201cI started playing cricket when I was in Grade Four and fell in love with it,\u201d said Park Hill Gardens\u2019 young cricket player, Samantha Schutte (15).<\/p>\n
Schutte has recently been selected to play for the u-18 South African team which will represent the country at the Indoor Cricket World Cup in Australia.<\/p>
\u201cI have always played outdoor cricket, but this year my friend said we should go try out for indoor trials for the World Cup,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere were three trial sessions, with the first one being on January 23 and 24, in Centurion.<\/p>
\u201cWe went to all three and after the third trials the team was selected.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt still hasn\u2019t sunk in yet that I am part of the team which will represent South Africa, but maybe as the time nears it will hit me.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Indoor Cricket World Cup will be held from September 20 to October 5.<\/p>\n
The former Colin Mann Primary School student also plays for the Gauteng team.<\/p>\n
\u201cI started playing for the Gauteng team in 2012 when I was in Grade Seven.<\/p>\n
\u201cI played outdoor for Gauteng and in the same year I received player of the year for cricket and I also received a victrix ludorum,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The young cricketer also told the GCN that she would like to pursue cricket after high school.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to be a professional cricket player and if I don\u2019t make it as a player, then I would like to be a coach and teach cricket, I just love this sport,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI generally love sports. I am a swimmer, I play netball, soccer and athletics among other things.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfortunately I had to give up golf and tennis as it was affecting my swing in cricket. Since cricket is my main beat they just had to fall away.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Jeppe High School for Girls student also said that although she enjoys indoor cricket she still prefers playing outdoors.<\/p>\n
\u201cOutdoor cricket has lead me to where I am today. I enjoy indoor but I prefer outdoor, maybe due to the fact that I have more experience in outdoor,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n
Schutte also said that the coaching she received helped her to be where she is now.<\/p>\n
\u201cI thank all my coaches from when I was in Grade Four until now, they have helped me a lot,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy parents have been a great help; transporting me everywhere, buying the kit for me and for their support.<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks to my family and friends for always supporting and motivating me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Schutte\u2019s mother Janine said funds are needed for the trip to Australia.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn order to help make Samantha\u2019s dream of playing in Australia come true, we will need sponsorship to cover the trip costs,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cMichael Christophers is the coach who got Samantha into the Gauteng team, he has also contributed towards her trip.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe plead with the community to help Samantha as more funds are needed. We welcome any amount, big or small, it will greatly be appreciated.\u201d<\/p>\n
For more information contact Janine on 082 400 8636 or email her at 0824008636@vodamail.co.za.<\/p>\n