Meet brilliant youth cricketer Ryan Klein. He is a young man who is a deep thinker and has a lot of wisdom for his young age. He is one with strong faith and integrity. He is currently on a gap year in England, working hard on and off the field as he pursues his cricket dream. “I’m a very honest and humble person, I like to help people wherever they need. I like to have fun and enjoy being outdoors. In the future I want to be a role model for younger children and stay humble and true to who I am”. This is the type of thinking and legacy that should repeat itself over and over in SA’s future for us to go from strength to strength as a nation. All the best that side of the world Ryan – SA looks forward to welcoming you back home.
Photo Credits: MC Laubscher Photography
Athlete: Bio / Stats |
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| Name & Surname | Ryan Klein |
| Nick Name | Ry |
| Date of birth | 15 June 1997 |
| Place of birth | Cape Town |
| Current City | Telford, England |
| Height | 1.89 |
| Weight | 90 |
| Shoe Size | 11 |
| Club | Shifnal CC |
| Coach’s Name | Luke Swann |
| Out of Country events | On a gap year playing cricket and working in England |
| Secondary Sport/ sports | Rugby |
| Favorite City | Cape Town |
| Favorite Song | Deep House |
| Favorite Movie | Top Gun |
| School & Grade | Rondebosch Boys’ High School |
| Sponsors | Slazenger |
| Instagram
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Instagram: _ryanklein
Facebook: Ryan Klein |
| Parents Names
Siblings |
Father – Robert, Mother – Patricia
Brother – Kyle |
Photo Credits: Jesse Gad
INTERVIEW:
Q: You are passionate and doing so well in your cricket tell me a little bit about how you started in cricket and your journey in the cricket arena up to now?
My passion for cricket began at a very young age when my grandmother bowled me my first ball in the backyard. I played A team cricket throughout my time at Elkanah House and then moved to Rondebosch in Grade 8. I started in the u/14 b side until I made my way into the A team. I made my first team debut at the end of grade 9 and I received over 100 caps for the 1st team. I’ve represented Western Province at u/15 A level, twice at u/17 A and once at u/19 A level.
Q: What is the highest accolade that you have achieved in cricket and what is your greatest personal accomplishment?
The highest accolade would be making the Western Province u/19 A team. Receiving my 100th cap for Rondebosch is also up there. My greatest accomplishment must be when I scored a 108 not out in the St Davids T20 festival.
Q: What was your last champs/ major tournament, and how did you experience it?
My last tournament was the Coke week in 2015, it was a great tournament and I performed really well. My most valuable lesson learned was to take each game as it came and not focus too much on what will happen after the week.
Photo Credits: Robert Gad email: robertgad1961@gmail.com
Q: In your opinion, what is the value of Education in a young person’s life?
Education plays a vital role in every person’s life. It teaches us about the past, how to live in the present and it prepares us for the future. Education is especially valuable in our country as it teaches us valuable lessons on our past as a nation so that we can learn from it and not make the same mistakes in the future.
Q: Would you like to share a little bit more about your faith journey?
I believe that the Lord has a plan for me and that everything happens for a reason, so I just take each day at a time and try to live in the best moments and get over my disappointments.
Q: What do you do to relax?
I listen to music or watch some TV, but most of the time it either involves playing FIFA or sleeping.
Q: What is your personal favourite motivational quote?
“The wolf on the hill is not as hungry as the wolf climbing the hill”
Q: What is your favourite Bible Scripture?
Phil 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Q: What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
My biggest challenge is to find the right environment in which I can thrive and learn new skills and things about who I am as a person.
Q: When an athlete hits some “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?
When I find myself in this situation, I look back to other games to compare what I was doing differently or what was working for me then and I try to do what worked for me in the past. My advice would be to never ever doubt yourself and to always believe that anything is possible.
Q: How do you define success in life?
A successful person is someone who achieves their goals and are happy with their lives, with where they are and what they have as well as if they feel they are living up to their morals and values. You do not need to have an unlimited supply of money to be successful.
Q: What’s your WHY?
I do what I do because I enjoy playing the game. Cricket gives you the opportunity to bond with people and get closer to your mates. It also challenges yourself to work hard as you have to keep working continuously to improve your skills if you want to make it big time. I would like to set an example that is easy to follow. I’d like to show people how to stay humble in victory and gracious in defeat.
Photo Credits: Robert Gad email: robertgad1961@gmail.com
Q: What is your message of encouragement to South African and African youth and our nation?
My message would be to live every day to the fullest as we can’t be for sure if tomorrow will come or not. We have loads of heritage and history in our country and we need to embrace it and learn from the past in order to create a prosperous future. The youth needs to keep on having dreams and must never stop chasing them!
Q: What are you most grateful for in your life at the moment?
I am most grateful for the opportunities that have been given to me by RBHS and by my family, for without them, I wouldn’t be where I am now.
Q: What are your plans for 2016?
I am currently on a gap year in England working at a school as a coach and an assistant. I will be playing cricket for a local club, hoping to be recognized by a few County scouts.
Photo Credits: Robert Gad email: robertgad1961@gmail.com
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!
Photo Credits: Jesse Gad
Photo Credits: Robert Gad email: robertgad1961@gmail.com
Photo Credits: MC Laubscher Photography
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.
