Pheko Moletsane has been described as one of the hardest working young cricketers in the game. Now he gears up to showcase his talent at the ICC U19 World Cup for South Africa, writes Khalid Mohidin.
There has been an increase in popularity with spinning all-rounders in South Africa.
Over the last two seasons, we have seen the likes of Wihan Lubbe, George Linde, Bjorn Fortuin and Senuran Muthusamy become crucial in tournaments like the Mzansi Super League, as well as in the 4-Day Franchise Series, One-Day Cup and senior Provincial cricket.
The U19 World Cup will be no different.
Having players who can produce stellar performances with both bat and ball will be crucial for every team in the tournament.
Spinners, in particular, are becoming more valuable when it comes to stemming the run rate and striking at crucial stages of the match.
Like the players mentioned above, Pheko Moletsane is another driven youngster who is striving to live his dream of becoming a professional cricketer.
Although he has been described by some as a spin-bowling all-rounder, he sees himself as a batting all-rounder because he believes his natural ability leans towards swinging the willow.
A St Andrew’s School pupil, he has been tipped as an amazing prospect, with his selection in the SA U19 World Cup squad brightening the spotlight above the young man’s head.
He made the South African Colts team in Grade 10 after an inspiring tournament for his province where he finished with 14 wickets in the tournament in the 2017/18 season.
Pheko also played a pivotal role in helping Saints become national champions in the Coca-Cola Schools T20 Challenge in 2018, a tournament where he took six wickets and scored 71 runs which included a gutsy 51.
Injuries set him back tremendously in 2019, but he recovered well to fight for a spot in the SA U19 World Cup squad, which he achieved.
“I’ve had a few niggles and injuries during my time with the Talent Acceleration Programme,” said Moletsane exclusively to Cricket Fanatics Magazine.
“I was meant to play for South Africa U19 against Pakistan, but then I sustained an injury a day before I was meant to make my debut and I was out for six weeks.
“Before the matches against the senior provincial teams I fractured my hand, so I was out for six to eight weeks doing rehabilitation and conditioning.
“It has been a journey that wasn’t pleasant but I fought hard.”
Pheko’s talent is unquestionable, but he doesn’t allow that to carry him. He is a youngster whose philosophy is defined by hard work.
“I’m a very hard-working personality that strives on (a good) work ethic,” said Moletsane when asked what defines him as a player.
“All I would like to do is be a very good team player who fights hard for the team. I want to base my game on hard-working habits so I can be better for the team.
“It’s a massive honour,” he added bout being selected in the SA U19 World Cup squad.
“I had a few setbacks throughout the journey so it really feels good to have the opportunity to represent my country.
“I will do my utmost best to push myself harder because this is something that is bigger than me and I’d like to make my country proud.”
His fellow SA U19 and St Andrew’s teammate Gerald Coetzee, who too was selected in the World Cup squad, echoed Pheko’s self-analysis.
“I know Pheks for a long time,” said Coetzee exclusively to Cricket Fanatics Magazine.
“He is one of the hardest workers that I know. He sacrifices a lot for his cricket. He is one of those players who has never just relied on his talent.
“He worked really hard to get where he is and I’m really happy for him. He really deserves it (his World Cup selection).”
Photo: Supplied
