A cricket player from Bethlehem who has speedily made a name for himself, was chosen to join the Hailsham Cricket Club based in the United Kingdom (UK) for the 2024 cricket season.
An overwhelmed Matthew (21), the eldest son of Coenie and Daphne Maritz from Bethlehem, says a lifelong dream has now become reality, and this is definitely a highlight in his cricketing career.
“We are very excited to welcome Matthew to the club. After looking at all our overseas candidates, he was definitely the best choice for the club,” says Jason Tibble, captain of Hailsham’s first team.
Maritz has been playing cricket since 2018 and in this time has worked hard towards his goal.
He has played for the senior Eastern Free State team and the Northern Cape Cricket Academy. During 2022 he also represented the first team of the Voortrekker High School in Bethlehem, as well as the Jozi Warriors, and he also competed in the Free State Premier League (FPL). He was also invited to play for the Khosa Cricket Club in the Diadora Jozi Cup in 2023.
Maritz is trained by Sello Mabuya and hones his skill at least five to six days a week. He will return to Khosa CC, where he will complete the 2023-’24 season for the club.
“I am super excited and cannot wait to join Hailsham,” he says.
“I believe this wonderful opportunity will definitely further my cricketing career. I cannot wait to meet the people and explore the UK.”
Maritz will play for Hailsham from 10 April until 10 September.
