Before Nathier Sambo could even walk, he was smashing cricket balls in the passage at home.
It was to be expected though with Sambo, 15, having been born into a cricket family.
His father, Irefaan, is the current chairperson of Blue Bells Cricket Club, his brother Garieth and cousin Saliegh (both four years his senior) are playing in the Blue Bells CC First X1 and their grandfather is of course, the legendary former Blue Bells and Sacos stalwart administrator, the late Boeta “Gamat” Sambo.
But it is the youngest Sambo that possibly has the brightens future, way beyond the realms of Blue Bells CC, ahead of him.
At 15, he has already struck more centuries than most cricketers in their lifetime and is once again currently enjoying a purple patch at the start of 2019.
This season alone Sambo has smashed 63 not out against Ottomans CC, 95 not out against Newlands Cricket High School and a sparkling 127 not out (9×6, 10×4) against the powerful Tygerberg Regional Performance Centre last Saturday at Florida Park for the Blue Bells CC under-15 team.
Last weekend’s century was particularly pleasing for Sambo as it was against most of his new teammates that will join him in the recently selected Western Province under-16 Regional Performance Centres (RPC) squad that will compete in the national six-day tournament in Potchefstroom in March.
“I really enjoyed that 100. There was a lot of banter out on the field. Earlier, I got hit two sixes by mate Mateo and I told him I will get him back later. I hit him four sixes, two of them out of the ground and on to the roof of the houses, so that was a lot of fun. We had to chase over 270 and to go and win the game for my team was very pleasing, ” Sambo said.
There is a clear sense that Sambo, more than anything else, loves the game.
He rates West Indies superstar Chris Gayle as his favourite cricketer.
“I just love Chris Gayle. He makes the game looks so easy, but is fiercely competitive when the mood takes him. And of course he hits the biggest sixes!”
Sambo also plays for the Primrose Hub when he’s not busy at his club, and his coach Shahied Adonis only has high praise.
