Jeppe High School for Boys cricket star Zizi Mkhize (left) shares his journey from playing street cricket in Kagiso to winning the SA20 Schools Player of the Tournament and dreaming of representing South Africa. Seen here: Zizi Mkhize and former Proteas player Stephen Cook. Picture: CSA Media
While very few school children ever get the chance to attend the prestigious Cricket South Africa (CSA) Awards, for 16-year-old Jeppe High School for Boys cricket sensation Zizi Mkhize, it was a night of pure inspiration—one that fueled his dream of walking across that stage as one of the country's elite players.
“Being here to see the professional players get their awards is so encouraging. I’m seeing myself on that stage in a couple of years' time. So yeah, it’s incredibly motivating to be here,” Mkhize told IOL in an exclusive interview.
In truth, Mkhize is already a star in his own right. Having recently been named the Switch Schools SA20 Boys Player of the Tournament, he is already being touted as one of South Africa's most promising young all-rounders.
Mkhize’s journey mirrors that of Proteas star Temba Bavuma; recognised early for his natural talent, he was awarded a bursary to attend Jeppe, one of Johannesburg’s premier cricketing schools.
