Budding 12-year-old Amalinda cricketer Carlisle Keet is preparing to take one of the biggest steps in his young sporting career after being selected to represent the Border Indoor Cricket U14 team at the upcoming Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT) in Boksburg from March 28 to April 5.
For the Selborne Primary grade 7 pupil, the moment he received the news is one he will never forget.
“I was very happy and excited to represent my province,” Carlisle said.
“It’s the coolest thing that’s ever happened to me.”
The road to selection is no easy feat, says Border indoor U14 coach Jacques Meyer
“Trials were held for each age group and based on all-round performance with bat, ball and fielding, boys were selected into a training squad.
“From there, the group was split into two teams as we will be taking two U14 sides to the IPT.
“Carlisle brings all-round strength into the team. He is a good medium-pace bowler, a capable batsman and he can fill multiple fielding positions in indoor cricket,” Meyer said.
“His bowling has been very accurate and he has that ‘surprise’ ball that adds a lot of value.
“With the bat, he can perform under pressure, whether he takes a leading role or is tasked to close the innings.”
Indoor cricket is a fast-paced, high-intensity format.
Each team consists of eight players, with matches played over 16 overs per side. Every player bowls two overs, while four batting pairs occupy the crease for four overs each.
Five runs are deducted every time a batsman is dismissed, placing a premium on consistency and smart decision-making. Carlisle thrives in that environment.
“In indoor cricket, you have to be an all-rounder, good at batting, bowling and fielding,” said Carlisle.
The team trains weekly and competes in league matches as part of their preparation for the IPT.
Meyer said: “Most of the boys are 12 and will play in this age group for two years.
“It will be their first IPT, except for four boys who represented Border in the U12 age group last year and brought home a bronze medal after finishing third.
“It’s every boy’s dream to represent their province. They look up to senior players, and the love for the game has grown tremendously over the past few years. Players also have a chance to be selected to represent South Africa if they impress the selectors.”
Carlisle’s parents, Monolito and Chantal Keet, said he had gravitated towards any form of sporting activity as a child.
He began playing indoor cricket in 2024 when he accompanied his father to Buffalo Indoor Sports Arena and played his first mixed league match using borrowed equipment. Since then, his growth has been steady and impressive.
“[His selection] is a moment of absolute pride and belief in his potential,” said Monolito.
However, the opportunity comes with financial challenges associated with kit, accommodation, flights, transportation, registration and tournament affiliation fees.
“Many parents are running raffles and crowdfunding initiatives, which can place strain on your community and social circles,” he said.
The family recently had to make a difficult decision when Carlisle was selected to represent his school at a cricket festival in the Western Cape.
“Sadly, we had to decline that invitation, as we felt that representing Border Indoor U14 could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that we did not want him to miss.
“Our focus has been on raising the much-needed funds for his selection.”
The family is running a raffle to help cover expenses. Chantal is appealing to businesses and individuals to join “Team Carlisle” through sponsorship.
Community members or businesses who wish to support Carlisle’s journey Inter-Provincial Tournament (IPT) campaign can contact his father Monolito on 082-259-2270.
