Hailing from the humble surroundings of Tzaneen, Limpopo, Tian Koekemoer is determined to gear up for a prosperous season with the aim of fulfilling his childhood dream, writes Khalid Mohidin.
It’s been a topsy-turvy couple of years for Koekemoer. Struggling with injuries and the recovery of a shoulder operation, Koekemoer has only managed to complete one full season with Eastern Province.
Despite these shortcomings, his ability has shone through and his determination to recover proves that you can’t keep a quality talent down.
Koekemoer is a natural cricketer with an exemplary ability with both bat and ball and despite his humble upbringing has worked hard to create an opportunity for himself that will set him on the path to achieving his dream.
The all-rounder grew up in Limpopo where he represented his province throughout the age groups, from U11 until U19.
Limpopo is not renowned for producing an abundance of professional cricketers, although they are famous for producing South Africa’s best-ever bowler, Dale Steyn.
Like Steyn, Koekemoer’s upbringing is driven by his will to succeed.
In an exclusive interview with Cricket Fanatics Magazine, the 24-year-old gave us a peek into his world.
“I started playing cricket when I was in Grade 1. My Mom sent me to a private coach David Hawken in Tzaneen (Limpopo) and from there everything just kicked off. He ended up coaching me twice a week until I finished matric in 2012,” said Koekemoer.
With a population of about 15,000, it can be presumed that cricket is only a small focus or priority of the people living in Tzaneen.
“Life in Limpopo is quite amazing. Tzaneen itself is quite small but surrounded by beautiful farms, nature reserves and we have nice warm weather throughout the year.
“It wasn’t the easiest place to play cricket. We never played enough school cricket throughout the year, and the standard was below par.
“We also did not have the greatest of facilities compared to the schools in Gauteng and there were a lot of external factors that made it difficult.
“But I was fortunate enough to have a great mentor in Dave Hawken and Pieter van der Merwe (Merensky Highschool First XI Coach) who kept pushing me in the right direction along with my provincial coach, Mandla Mashimbyi, who is the Titans assistant coach currently.”
With a first-class average of over 50 in 34 innings and 50 wickets at an average of 25, it’s hard to believe that Koekemoer has gone about his business under the radar with surprisingly minimal media attention on his career.
“I try not to pay attention to what the media says about me, because at the end of the day I must be satisfied with my performance, regardless of what anyone says.
“I am however happy with how my first-class career has gone thus far and I’m striving to keep pushing for bigger and better things. I’m still young so I believe my best cricket is still ahead of me and if I keep putting in the performances as I have, the opportunity will come.”
Koekemoer is a left-handed batsman and a right-arm medium-fast bowler, who aims to emulate his World Cup-winning hero of the same description.
If he succeeds, he could plug the gap that is desperately missing in the national set up.
“I’m a big fan of Ben Stokes. His ability to consistently have an impact with bat and ball is outstanding. He has definitely motivated me in trying to make an impact wherever I play or whichever role I’m given.”
Koekemoer will miss the Africa T20 Cup as he works his way back to full fitness, but he will be riling and ready to go at the start of the domestic season for Eastern Province in October.
Photo: Supplied
