Jonathan Draai, Eastern Province youth cricket champion did his province proud at last December’s prestigious Cricket SA’s 2015 Coca-Cola Khaya Majola U19 week (16-20 December 2015). Congratulations to him on passing his matric and on route to a wonderful new chapter. It is good to know of country’s future is in good hands with balanced and sound young adults the likes of Jonathan. He describes himself “I am a very private person. I have a really dry sense of humour. I like to think of myself as a friendly and decent person. I’d like to stay the same in the future and be seen as a friendly and welcoming person”.
PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA – 20 DECEMBER 2015: Jonathan Draai of Eastern Province during the match between Kwazulu-Natal vs Eastern Province at Gelvandale Cricket Club during day 5 of the Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Week.
Photo by Richard Huggard
Athlete: Bio / Stats |
|
| Name & Surname | Jonathan Draai |
| Nick Name | Jonno/ Johnny/ J |
| Date of birth | 7 April 1997 |
| Place of birth | Port Elizabeth |
| Current City | Port Elizabeth |
| Height | 1.9m |
| Weight | 85kg |
| Shoe Size | 12 |
| Club | Grey High School and Gelvandale Cricket Club |
| Coach’s Name | Richard Gilbert- School coach
Murray Ranger/Lyle Meyer- Coke week coaches |
| Secondary Sports | Rugby, Soccer and Table Tennis |
| Favorite City | Pretoria |
| Favorite Song/Type of music | Eminem- Sing for the moment.
I like anything that sounds good really. |
| School & Grade | Grey High School, Grade 12 |
| Sponsors | Bellingham & Smith |
| Twitter, Instagram & Facebook | @jonnodraai |
| Parents Names, Siblings | Parents- Karen and Benjamin Draai
Siblings – Kevin and Alex Draai |
PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA – 18 DECEMBER 2015: Jonathan Draai of Eastern Province during the match between Eastern Province vs South Western Districts at NMMU B during day 3 of the Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Week.
Photo by Richard Huggard
INTERVIEW:
Q: You are passionate and doing so well in your Cricket tell me a little bit about how you started and your journey in the Cricket arena up to now?
I started at the age of 5 in my backyard. My older brother coached me from a very young age and it is through him that I’ve been fortunate enough to do so well in cricket. I played my first club cricket game when I was 11 years old for Ebenezer Cricket club against Old Grey Cricket Club. I managed to score 25 in that game. I currently play for Grey High School, Gelvandale Cricket club and the EP u19 Cricket team.
Q: What is the highest accolade that you have achieved in Cricket and what is your greatest personal accomplishment?
My highest accolade was receiving an award for being the best u/15 cricketer for EP after being the leading wicket taker at the u/15 national week in 2012. My greatest personal accomplishment was being chosen for the u19 SA National Camp squad.
PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA – 20 DECEMBER 2015: Jonathan Draai of Eastern Province during the match between Kwazulu-Natal vs Eastern Province at Gelvandale Cricket Club. Day 5 of the Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Week.
Photo by Richard Huggard
Q: In your opinion, what is the value of Education for our youth?
It is vital for the youth of today to receive a good education as we are the future of the country. The more educated the people of our society are, the better off we will be as not only a country but also as humans.
Q: Would you like to share a little bit more about your faith journey and how it has affected your life / sports?
I attend the New Apostolic Church here in PE. Both my parents are very religious so I have been brought up in a religious household. God has helped me through some really tough times and I think if it were not for my faith and church, I would not be where I am today.
Q: What do you do to relax?
I love gaming so I do that to relax; I also like playing some touch rugby or some footy to take my mind off things.
Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?
“ You gotta wanna succeed as badly as you wanna breathe” – Eric Thomas
Q: What is your favourite Bible Scripture?
Trust in God – 1 Peter 1:21
Q: When you hit a hard / difficult patch in their sports career, what goes through your mind at that time? What advice can you give other young athletes in this regard?
Pray about it and never give up. Surround yourself with the right people and always keep your eye on the prize, regardless of the situation or what people say.
Q: How do you define success in life / how do you define a successful person?
A successful person is someone that is well respected not because of what he or she has achieved but because of the kind of person he or she is.
Thank you so much for taking this interview. We would like to wish you all the best for your journey ahead. We look forward to following you as you go from strength to strength. Blessings!
NB – All images were supplied by the athlete to Heslop Sports. If there are any images that are not credited correctly, please email info@heslopsports.co.za with the details and we will gladly do so immediately.
