Nathan has big dreams after captaining SA Under-15 cricket team in India
BLINK and Kimberley will produce another gem. This was proven again last month when Nathan Baird, a talented Grade 10 learner from Diamantveld High School captained South Africa in an international tournament held in India. The 15-yearold’s achievements made him the pride of his school, city and province.
Reflecting on his journey when speaking to the DFA, Nathan revealed that his passion for cricket ignited during his early years at Newton Primary School. “I started playing cricket in Grade 1 because I was a bit small for rugby at the time. The more I played, the more I liked playing cricket, and ever since then, cricket has been my sport of choice,” he said.
Nathan’s skills didn’t go unnoticed. Diamantveld High School recommended his name for the provincial trials, and after an impressive performance, he earned a spot on the Under-15 regional team, where he was also appointed captain.
It was during a tournament in Sasolburg last year that Nathan’s extraordinary talent caught the attention of the selectors, ultimately leading to his selection for the tour to India. Excited by the announcement of his selection, Nathan then discovered that he was the sole representative from the Northern Cape, an honour that deeply humbled him.
“I was surprised to find out that I was the only one selected in the province to represent my country, but I was even more surprised to find out that I was selected to be captain of the Under-15 team.”
As for the tour itself, the team played two games in Delhi and two in Jaipur, securing victory in one out of the four matches.
Nathan acknowledged the unique playing style of the Indian team. “We learned a lot during those four matches. India plays a lot * differently than we do, and we had the opportunity to learn from them,” he said.
The good news is that Nathan’s cricket journey is far from over. As one of the seven players selected for the prestigious NC Young Heat programme, he is poised to receive further training, with the ultimate aim of joining the provincial Heat team when he turns 19.
With unwavering determination, the young athlete dreams of representing his province and, if fortune favours him, one day donning the Proteas jersey to make his country proud. As Nathan continues to work hard honing his skills in pursuit of his dreams, his journey serves as a reminder that talent knows no boundaries and that with perseverance and hard work, even the youngest of players can shine on the global stage.