Player Profile: Michail Tarentaal (Wynberg)
Wynberg Boys’ High has a reputation for producing excellent cricket players, especially all-rounders, including, in the eyes of many, the greatest all-rounder of all-time, Jacques Kallis.
Carrying on that tradition is Michail Tarentaal, who is the 1st XI’s captain, and was also elected as the school’s Deputy Head Boy for 2026.
In September, he was invited to the Cricket South Africa (CSA) U17 Camp, which showed that he has caught the eye of the national body.
He had previously made the Western Province Cricket Association’s (WPCA) U16 team in December 2023 and looked very comfortable at that level when capturing three wickets for seven runs in an abandoned match against the Dolphins.
As an all-rounder, Tarentaal is always in the action, with his bowling, batting, fielding, and leadership standing out like a grove of tall trees on an otherwise open plain.
His talent comes from humble beginnings. “My earliest memory of cricket would be playing in the driveway with my brother and dad,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“I really started to love the game when I was made aware of the talent I had. I was privileged enough to get the opportunity to play at a good club, and this further grew my love for the game, as I was able to play in a positive environment.”
When asked about the first time he saw Michail Tarentaal in action, Wynberg Head Coach Pietie Loubser replied: “I remember seeing him at our new boys’ nets, already standing head and shoulders above the rest. Immediately, we could see that this kid has skills, but more importantly, he was calm and not flustered.”
It’s Tarentaal’s mental strength and focus, as much as his talent, that fuels his achievements. “Everyone has something to work on, whether it be personally or on the sports field,” he said. “On that point, I feel that we can all add one percent to our game every day. By doing this, we not only become better cricketers, but we also build character, which helps us in our everyday lives.”
When 2026 comes to an end, he’ll have his future beyond the bounds of Wynberg to consider, and he has already set his goals. “In terms of my personal life, I would like to be in the process of obtaining a bachelor’s degree, while strengthening my relationship with my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ,” he said. “In cricket, I would like to be signed by a provincial men’s team and push to make it onto the national stage.”
There’s a Lionel Messi quote which provides a fitting conclusion and a great piece of advice to those whose ambitions match those of Michail Tarentaal. It goes: “I start early and I stay late, day after day, year after year. It took me 17 years and 114 days to become an overnight success.”
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