Player Profile – Charl Prinsloo (Hoërskool Centurion)
It is unbelievable that a prodigious talent like Hoërskool Centurion’s Charl Prinsloo only made a breakthrough last year, playing in his first provincial cricket tournament, the U17 Regional Week, at the age of 17.
It is a testimony to the burgeoning cricket talent in and around Pretoria.
“I’ve made it to the final round of the Titans trials every year since I started trying out at U11,” Prinsloo said.
‘Last year was my first taste of provincial cricket, though, when I made the U17 side.”
This year, Prinsloo has made a massive push for the Titans’ Khaya Majola Week side.
Outscoring some of the most prolific batsmen in the region, the Centurion top-order batsman boasts a total of 1161 runs in his 21 matches, at a very impressive average of 68.29.
These stats include four centuries, including a wonderful 137 against Titans League favourites, Hoërskool Waterkloof, in their backyard and a whopping eight half-centuries, making him the sole standout for the side from Centurion. He still has a couple of opportunities to contribute even more, with the upcoming North/South Tournament, a tournament he thoroughly enjoys.
In addition to his impressive batting stats, Prinsloo’s right-arm seam has claimed 27 wickets, conceding only 614 runs, at an economy rate of 4.5 in the 134.1 overs he’s bowled this year, stating a claim that he is much more than just a batsman and part-time bowler.
“I started playing cricket at the age of four and have loved every second of it since,” the batsman said, emphasising his love for the game.
Prinsloo, however, is not only a keen cricketer. Like his childhood role model, AB de Villiers, he also played rugby, donning the No. 10 jersey for the Woeries’ First XV, and also shone on the tennis court and athletics track in years gone by.
To add to his sporting successes, Prinsloo has kept his nose tucked in the books, earning the accolade of being in the top 15 academic achievers every year during his five-year high school career. He has also been roped in as a brand ambassador for IXU, a brand that has sponsored some of South Africa’s top cricketers, including ex-Protea captain, Faf du Plessis, and wicketkeeper/batsman, Heinrich Klaasen.
“I’ve had many influential people throughout my cricketing journey, of which coach, Shawn Bongers, has probably had the biggest influence,” Prinsloo said.
The batsman also extends his gratitude to previous and current Directors of Cricket at Hoërskool Centurion, Messrs Johan Cloete and Juanré van Wyk, alongside coach, Stephan Ernst, for playing significant roles in his development.
Prinsloo undoubtedly made his mark in Woeries’ cricketing history throughout his five-year tenure.
“I’ve made so many memories over the last five years, it’s hard to single out only one.
“Some of my favourites must be when I made my debut in Grade 8 and taking a wicket, scoring a match-winning 83 as opening batsman against Hoërskool Marais Viljoen in Grade 9, scoring 205 in a T20 against Sutherland High School, which also became the highest score for a Centurion batsman, and, most recently, contributing 137 against League leaders, Hoërskool Waterkloof.”
Prinsloo’s goal is a clear one. He wants to continue piling up the runs, take wickets, and play professional cricket, something that he is most definitely talented enough to accomplish.
Remember the name Charl Prinsloo.
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