Player Profile – Esa Gangat (Pearson High School)

In the world of cricket, dedication begets talent, and one young player exemplifying this equation is Esa Gangat. At only 17 years old, Esa, a student at Pearson High School in Gqeberha, has already made significant strides towards a promising future in cricket.
His cricketing journey has been shaped by a household deeply immersed in the sport.
“My family always loved cricket,” Esa reminisced. “Growing up, cricket would always be playing on the TV, and my Dad would always be throwing to my brothers and me in the garage or the backyard.”
This familial cricket atmosphere became the breeding ground for Esa’s passion. With two older brothers, Aarif and Umar, a younger brother Sulaymaan, and a sister Aaminah, cricket became more than just a game – it became a family tradition.
Esa’s earliest memories revolve around friendly competitions, where sibling rivalry fuelled a desire to produce the best results. He proudly stated, “We all play cricket, and it’s always a competition between one another.”
Light-heartedly, he commented, “I’d like to think I’m the best, but my little brother, Sulaymaan, isn’t far behind.” With pride, he added, “He’ll be representing EP at the CSA National u16 Week next month.”
Though he is evidently still very much connected to his roots, Esa’s cricket journey has extended far beyond backyard games. He has represented Eastern Province at various age group levels and played for the Eastern Warriors Cubs team in 2022 and 2023.
However, the highlight of his career so far was representing the SA u19 team in Bangladesh in July, and he’s hoping for future opportunities to represent the country at the game he loves.
“I also play for Gelvendale Cricket Club, which is where I played most of my cricket before school and gained a lot of knowledge, especially having played with some of the first-class cricketers there.”
Recently, he has been named in the 2023 Eastern Province team for the Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Cricket Week for a second year in succession. He’ll be a key figure in an experienced squad.
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As Esa approaches his matric year, he is looking forward to the coming season, saying, “I just want to go out there, do my best, and enjoy my final bit of school cricket.”
The best might still lie ahead, but having been part of the first team since he was in grade nine, his journey has already been filled with many highlights. His standout memory? “My first-team debut, when I got a five-wicket haul against Grey High School,” he recalled with enthusiasm.
Pearson has become a second home for Esa. “My friends always joke, saying if I’m not at home I’m either in the cricket nets or the gym at school,” he said.
Under the guidance of Mr. Brad Dolley, a coach and teacher at the school, Esa has found a mentor who not only understands the game but also shares his specialisation in left-arm orthodox spin bowling. “Having someone who’s played the game, and knows the game as well as he does, has been very valuable for me as a player,” Esa acknowledged.
As a role model, he admires Keshav Maharaj, a fellow left-arm orthodox spin bowler, for his approach to the game and control when bowling.
Like any journey, Esa’s hasn’t been without its challenges. From playing in higher age groups at a young age, to handling the pressures associated with that, he credits his family for providing unwavering support. “My parents and siblings are always there for me, and that helps me deal with the pressures a lot better,” he said.
Obsessed with the game, he admitted that he doesn’t really have any hobbies outside of cricket and spends all his time on the sport.
“When I’m not playing cricket, I’m watching it on television.”
With such a single-minded focus and an unwavering commitment to making the best of his natural talent, the future holds great promise for Esa Gangat.