21 Mar 2016

Maemo Tlalang stole the limelight this weekend during a cricket tournament in Thamaga.

He displayed raw talent coupled with tactical play to help his school scoop position one.

Tlalang (13), a standard seven pupil at Monare Primary school, impressed Botswana Cricket Asscociation development coaches with his exceptional skills that could see him go to places during the tournament.

Tlalang, an allrounder on the pitch, an outstanding batter, bowler and a good catcher when fielding single handedly helped Monare primary school boys to beat all their opponents from the group stages right up to the finals.

With his sterling bowling skills, Tlalang aided Monare boys to pick wickets easily and quickly. 

On their first game against Kumakwane, Monare won by nine wickets. 

Their second game against Magalatladi primary school, Magalatladi could only pick one wicket from Monare scoring only 54 runs. On the other hand Monare picked 8 wickets against them while they scored 138 runs. Monare won by 54 runs.

On the semi-finals Tlalang’s batting earned Monare more runs as he picked fours and sixes easily making it difficult for Thamaga Western boys to take him out. His experience on the pitch came in handy as he hit the ball in all directions making it hard for them to predict his next move.

Their final game against Rungwana primary school, Rungwana won the toss and they decided to field first. Only two wickets were picked from Monare and they scored 93 runs. When it was their turn to field, the ferocious Tlalang picked four wickets in a row with no point humiliating Rungwana boys. Monare won by 48 runs.

Commenting on the game, Monare coach Ms Dimakatso Ramaeba congradulated her team saying that they displayed commitment. She also said that Tlalang started playing cricket when he was doing standard five and he has acquired skills in the past two years. Watching professional cricket on television has been cited as his secret weapon.

For his part the losing coach Mr. Thatayaone Motlhanka said that Monare’s excellent batting made a big score of 78 runs, therefore they could not chase the score. He also highlighted that pupils have demonstrated passion for the sport even though it is relatively new and that it keeps them busy.

On the girls side, Rungwana girls scored 50/6 and Monare scored 47/5 making Rungwana the overall winner with three runs.

Tlalang won a medal for best player of the tournament on the boys side while Botshelo Kantini from Rungwana primary school won the award on the girls’ side.

The objective of the tournament was to select the team to represent Thamaga in the upcoming BCA under 13 boys and girls regional tournament.

BCA development coach  Adam Mustafo said that he was impressed by the skills the kids demonstrated on the pitch.

“I saw great talent from individuals,” adding that he picked about four individuals that with good coaching they can go far. Ends