Dream, and bowl aside all obstacles
Rising-star cricketer Kagiso Rabada, who has taken a stunning 24 wickets in six test matches, talks to Lutho Mtongana about his career and how he handles his finances
What did you want to be when growing up?
I wanted to become a lawyer.
What events in your life steered you into the career you have today?
I excelled at quite a few sports at school, but cricket happened to be the one that I achieved most of my success in. There wasn’t a life[-changing] event, but I guess the 2014 Under-19 World Cup in Dubai, which we won, was probably the event that brought me exposure to international cricket.
What do you most enjoy about your career today?
I love cricket. I really enjoy running out and representing my country — it is such an honour. We have a great team spirit and environment; it’s a great family to be part of. I’m lucky to have a job that I love and am passionate about.
Do you have any role models in business and life?
There are a lot of people that I look up to and admire.
The first people who come up are my parents. They are my pillars of strength and have given me amazing support throughout my life and now dur- ing my cricket career.
Do you think you have a disciplined savings culture, and, if so, when did you start saving money?
I was taught at a very young age about the value of money and the importance of saving.
I am very disciplined, which definitely keeps me grounded and makes me appreciate all that I have.
If you hit the jackpot today, what would you do with the money?
I would buy an island.
Do you have any money weaknesses or special indulgences?
I sometimes like spending money on good shoes and suits. What have been your best investments in life, if any? I haven’t made any yet.
What have been some of your bigger career successes to date?
Making my debut for South Africa was a big highlight for me. It was the realisation of a dream.
I think that recently making my test debut against India also stands out, and also the contributions that I made in the last test match against England.
What are your goals in cricket before you leave the field?
I haven’t really set any goals with regards to my career. Life is so uncertain; nobody is guaranteed the next day. I just try to take it day by day. It is such an honour representing my country; I want to focus on enjoying that challenge rather than looking too far ahead.