AT only 14-years-old, a teen from Adcockvale Extension will be travelling to Dubai later this year, having been selected to represent South Africa at the Indoor Cricket Junior World Cup.
Bianca Graham, a grade 8 learner at Alexander Road High School, started playing indoor cricket when she was only 11 and says that this sport is her life.
She is therefore ecstatic about this remarkable achievement, especially since she has always dreamed about representing her country internationally.
The tournament takes place in Dubai from the end of September to October 7, 2023.
Bianca, and her equally excited teammates, will play against other countries on the world stage, including the likes of Australia, New Zealand, England, the UAE and Singapore.
“Cricket means a lot to me. I loved playing in the backyard with my brother and dad. I started playing mini-cricket and loved it!
“I love this sport because it is like my safe space. Cricket has given me the opportunity to make new friends and helps to keep me calm. This sport has my heart,” said Bianca.
Her proud mother, Belinda Graham, said that her daughter has always been fond of sport and, in addition to indoor cricket, also loves hockey, netball and swimming. Now that she is in high school, she will also be trying her hand at water polo.
“She started indoor cricket in 2020 when she was chosen for the Eastern Province u.10 Warriors team but unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the tour did not take place,” Graham explained.
Bianca was then again chosen in 2021 for the Eastern Province u.10 team, but this tour was also cancelled.
“In 2022 she was chosen for the Eastern Province u.12 Warriors team that took part in the Junior Nationals in Pretoria, and their team won silver at the tournament.
“She was selected for the Junior Ladies’ South African Team and they toured in September last year. She then went for further trials and was selected for the South African World Series Junior Ladies’ Team of Indoor Cricket South Africa – and this is the team that will be representing South Africa at the Junior World Series in Dubai,” she said.
“Bianca is very excited to be taking part in this tour and has always dreamed of playing for her beloved country, South Africa. We are extremely proud of Bianca and of what she has achieved.”
Graham added that the tour is not funded and that the parents need to raise the required funds. The cost of the tour is R31 554 per player.
The family has started a Back-a-Buddy campaign to raise funds for the tour, and at the time of going to print, have managed to raise just over R3 000 so far.
- More information about donations towards Bianca’s tour can be obtained from her coach, Elrich van de Venter, by sending an email to elrich@indoorcricketsa.co.za.
