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07 February 2018 Photo ICC
Raynard named captain of the Team of the Tournament at U-19 World Cup
Raynard van Tonder, right, is congratulated by fellow player Hermann Rolfes after scoring his second century against Bangladesh at the U-19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand.

Raynard van Tonder was rewarded for an outstanding U-19 World Cup in New Zealand when he was named as the captain of the Team of the Tournament, announced by the International Cricket Council on Sunday.

The Kovsie cricketer, who captained the South African team to fifth place, ended with the third-most runs in the tournament; 348 in six matches at an impressive average of 69.6. He scored two centuries (one of three players to achieve this) and one 50. It included a knock of 143 against Kenya, which was the fifth-highest in the tournament. With that, the 19-year-old also recorded the third-highest score ever by a South African in an U-19 One Day International.

Van Tonder is studying a BSocSci at the University of the Free State (UFS).

Congratulations from CSA

“It is heartening to know
that we continue to produce
quality players and leaders.”
—Thabang Moroe
Acting Chief Executive
of Cricket South Africa

“Raynard deserves a special commendation for being chosen as the best leader at the tournament. This follows on our 2014 captain, Aiden Markram (currently leading the Proteas in the one-day series against India), who was chosen as Player of the Tournament back then.

“It is heartening to know that we continue to produce quality players and leaders through our talent pipeline system,” commented acting chief executive of Cricket South Africa (CSA), Thabang Moroe.

The Team of the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup was selected by a panel that comprised former Windies fast bowler Ian Bishop, former India women’s captain Anjum Chopra, former New Zealand captain Jeff Crowe, journalist Shashank Kishore and former Australia all-rounder Tom Moody.

News Archive

I don’t see myself as a star, says Wayde
2016-09-20

Description: Wayde and Rynhardt celebration Tags: Wayde and Rynhardt celebration

The achievements of Wayde van Niekerk and his
fellow Kovsie athlete, Rynardt van Rensburg,
at the Olympic Games, were celebrated during
a celebration ceremony for them on
15 September 2016 in the Callie Human Centre.
Photo: Johan Roux

The environment surrounding him has changed a lot over the past few weeks, but Wayde van Niekerk doesn’t see himself as superstar. The 400 m Olympic champion is embracing being back home and is feeling the love of the Kovsie family that helped him reach great heights.

“I see this (the Bloemfontein Campus) as a place where I can find peace,” the University of the Free State (UFS) athlete said at a celebration ceremony on 15 September 2016 for him and fellow Olympian, Rynardt van Rensburg. The event celebrated their achievements after participation in the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Their coaches, Tannie Ans Botha and Derek van Rensburg, were also honoured.

Van Niekerk looks ahead
“I am always excited to get back home,” Van Niekerk said. Everybody who means something to him is in Bloemfontein and on this campus. “I thank you for believing in me. I am only 24 years old and still have quite a few years left to keep on doing what I do.” He also conducted the official opening of the new KovsieFit gymnasium in the Callie Human Centre.

According to Prof Nicky Morgan, acting Vice-Chancellor and Rector, the attendees had “Wayde fever”. “We can’t really say thank you enough – at least for the association we have had with you (Van Niekerk) over the years.”

Rynardt didn’t expect best in Rio

 “I see this (the Bloemfontein Campus)
as a place where I can find peace.”

Van Rensburg reached the semi-finals in Rio and ran a personal best of 1:45.33 in the 800 m. “If we don’t have support, we won’t be able to do this,” he said.
Although his form was improving prior to the Olympics, he didn’t expect to run a personal best. “My dad (and coach) kept believing in me and telling me it is possible to do.”

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