Former Warriors batter, Christiaan Jonker, opens up about his journey – from receiving a national call-up in 2018 to having mental health issues and how SACA played a role through this turbulent period in his life, writes Ongama Gcwabe.
“I can’t tell you the exact year I started playing the game, I think I was born with a cricket bat,” said Jonker exclusively to Cricket Fanatics Magazine.
There’s no better way to start a story. A story of a cricketer whose career was hard not to notice because of his unique outlook to the game.
Like most cricketers, Jonker represented his province [North West] in all age-groups through to the province’s ‘semi-pro’ side as it was called at the time. But something would happen at semi-pro level that would make his story take a sharp turn.
In and out of the Lions squad, touring with the guys with no game time, Jonker decided to take a break from the game and go work with his Dad.
A month into the job, Jonker knew that he was frustrated from not doing what he loves, which was obviously to smash bowlers around the park.
But it was missing the team environment, competing and being part of something bigger than himself that frustrated Jonker.
Eventually, he got back in the park and continued pursuing his dream of being a Protea. Seeking better opportunities and career evolution, he decided to leave North West.
“I actually flew down to Oudtshoorn, spoke with the CEO [Albertus Kennedy] face-to-face and he was happy to take me in,” Jonker explained.
“That changed my life again. I basically changed my goals – I wanted to play cricket and enjoy it and only focus on that instead of focusing on politics.
“That was basically the best six months to a year of my life, playing for SWD. I broke the record of most first-class runs.
“Eventually I got a run, they chose me to play a 4-Day game for the Warriors. I think I scored 64 on my debut smashing bowlers all over the Wanderers.
“A few of weeks later I got a call from Piet Botha [former Warriors Coach] that I was contracted with the Warriors and was welcomed in the family. That’s when I learned about being a family and playing for each other.
“Then one day, out of the blue, I got a call that I was selected to play in the series against India. I don’t think it settled in until two days later. That’s when it actually sank in.”
Jonker played four international matches including two ODIs and two T20Is, all in 2018.
He was well into the plans of the Proteas’ 2019 World Cup campaign, under coach Ottis Gibson and captain Faf du Plessis.
The first MSL got underway in 2018 and Jonker was in the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants squad for the month-long tournament. Pretty much after that, we didn’t see Jonker again.
Telling his story for the first time, Jonker said: “I’m more open about it [Mental health].
“It’s more of that thing where it’s everything [that takes a toll on you]. It’s been 15 years of cricket nonstop, 15 years of competing, 15 years playing competitive pressure situations.”
Throughout this interview, I felt inspired because I was in conversation with someone who is in the process to get through one of the toughest times in a man’s life.
Some people may not be aware that some professional cricketers do go through these “hurdles” in their careers.
The South African Cricketers Association [SACA] is aware and has programs in place to guide players in need.
“SACA has a comprehensive personal development programme which is available to all players. The programme focuses on life skills, dual-career, financial wellness and mental wellness,” said JP van Wyk, SACA Player Services Manager.
What is so amazing about Jonker’s story is how he was able to address the issue with the help from SACA. Although he is still in recovery process, he is able to find positives and the strength to continue pursuing his dreams.
Christiaan Jonker is back playing cricket again. He has more desire to achieve bigger things in his career and also wants to have a positive impact on his teammates.
“Another thing that came out of this is that I can see in people’s [teammates] eyes that they don’t know how to handle this situation. I always tell them: ‘Ask me the questions. Ask me what is depression. Ask me how it was because if you don’t you’ll never know about it.’
“Look in international cricket, Glenn Maxwell as well went through it. It’s such a hectic schedule and pressure situation.
“Doors opened for me because I have a diploma in Sport Psychology but now I want to get a degree. I can help other people. If I could help someone in his life I will be satisfied,” Jonker concluded passionately.
In terms of educating players and providing professional support services, SACA is at the forefront of things.
All that Cricket Fanatics can do is to respect cricketers and support them however we can.
What I hope Jonker’s story teaches cricketers and people at large is that it is important to take time away from pressure situations, be it a break from a sport or from work.
If you’re out there and you relate to this story, know that someone went through the same thing and got back up stronger through finding help. You can also do the same.
Photo: BackpagePix
