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THINGS are happening unexpectedly and fast for Matthew Kleinveldt, the newly-elected captain of the Western Province under-17 cricket side.

Soon after Matthew, a Grade 11 learner at Wynberg Boys' High, achieves the distinction of leading his side at the SA schools?s inter-provincial tournament in Bloemfontein from December 7 until December 11 he will be packing his bags for a five-year stay in England.

Matthew's departure on December 15 will for the foreseeable future prevent him of fulfilling his dream of playing for Cape Cobras, for whom his cousin Rory Kleinveldt has excelled over the past two seasons.

"To lead the schools' side is an immense challenge. I am not putting any pressure on myself by worrying about my future in England. Once the tournament is over I will look towards doing a sports management course and playing club cricket in Essex," said Matthew, who has won WP schools colours since age 11.

The cricketing change for the talented player unfolded when his parents Johnny and Beulah chose to renew their links with the Vine Song Music Ministeries in England in February, 2007.

They will do missionary work in Nigeria in December before returning to do mission work in Johannesburg.

It will be the first time that Matthew returns to England, where he was born in 1990. He will be accompanied by his younger brother, Gary, the captain of the WBHS under-15 side and a WP under-13 cap last season.

They will leave ahead of their parents to be in time to register at the college and school they'll respectively be attending in the new year.

The teenage brothers inherited the cricket genes from their father Johnny, a swashbuckling batsman for Victoria CC and Montrose CC as well as the old WP Cricket Board in the Howa Bowl competitions in the 1980s.

Kleinveldt senior was a team mate of Vince Barnes, the current SA assistant-coach, at club and provincial levels. His wife Beulah was a top SA gospel singer in the 1990s.

"I am thankful to my father for his advice and encouragement. He greatly influenced my competitive nature," said Matthew.

Eric Lefson, the WBHS cricket coach, is Matthew?s other mentor. "He has kept me focused and worked hard to improve my batting," said Matthew.

Immediate ambition?

To score a maiden century before leaving for England. Matthew came close to reaching his elusive ton when he was bowled for 95 during WBHS win over Stellenberg High this past Saturday.

His last chances of making it happen are when WBHS face their arch rivals SACS and Rondebosch Boys' High when he leads WP at the under-17 tournament.

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