Schauderville teenager’s cricketing dream closer after playing in India

• Published date: 07 May 2024
• Publication title: Herald, The (Port Elizabeth, South Africa)

Grade 8 Daniel Pienaar Technical High School pupil Daveric Petersen earned his place on the Travel and Sport Cricket team through his outstanding performance at the Puntfest Cricket festival in September

The 16-year-old’s dedication to the sport earned him two awards — man of the match in the second game and best batsman of the tournament.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity that was given to me,” Daveric said.

“I want to thank my principal, the head of sport, and my cricket coach at Daniel Pienaar for allowing me to play cricket and go to India.”

The all-rounder, from Lawler Street, said his cricket journey began at the age of nine playing in the street before joining the Gelvan Cricket Club.

“My friend [Russel Petersen] invited me to play and when I started batting, he said he saw that I could play cricket.

“He asked for my dad’s permission to go to the Gelvan Cricket Club. I played one game and asked my parents if I could play for the club.

“I wasn’t confident to play hardball cricket because we were used to playing with a tennis ball.

“I played for Parkside Primary and received awards for being the first boy to score 50 runs and 100 runs respectively.”

Under the guidance of Daniel Pienaar’s Zarier Sirkhotte, Daveric’s cricket skills flourished.

“Our team to India comprised boys from around the country.

“Our first match was a T20.

“I was captain of the under-16 team for the second game and scored 50 runs.”

Daveric said the tour to India...