De in het centrum van Amsterdam wonende Zuid-Afrikaan Darren van der Hooft speelt komend seizoen voor ACC 1. De koning van de check drive stelt zich aan de hand van 30 fantastische vragen graag even aan ons voor.
Why did you start playing cricket?
I started playing cricket because I was exposed to many sports whilst growing up and found cricket the most exciting.
What are your strong points as a batsman?
I am strongest on the front foot and love playing the exciting shots.
What are your strong points as a bowler and what type of a bowler are you?
I am an off spinner and vary my pace to read the batsman well.
Who is your idol and why?
My parents are my rolemodels, they always lead me in the right direction no matter how it influences them.
What are the professions of your parents?
Accountants.
For which club did you play your last season back home and how did it go?
I played a good season for Grey College Secondary in South Africa.
Does sport run in the family, have you got any family members who are good in sport?Yes,we are a very active family and have many family members that have played sport at a high level such as netball and cricket.
What are your hobbies?
I love playing any sport aswell as having a good time in a social environment, I enjoy travelling and all adrenaline activities.
How did you come in contact with ACC?
I came in contact with ACC through CricX and Mr EP.
What is your favorite dinner?
I love a steak and pasta.
What do you like about the Netherlands?
I like the music of the Netherlands. People are very active and have a good balance between social life and growth.
What is until now the highlight of your career?
Scoring 135 off 55 balls for my school in a test match
Can you describe the place where you live back home?
I live in Johannesburg South Africa, a place very different to the Netherlands in terms of culture. It has much warmer weather and not as much rain, also one of the bigger cities in the country. Nice food and people and love music just like the Netherlands.
Have you got any brothers and sisters and what are they doing?
I am 1 of 6 siblings, 3 are still in school and the other 2 are studying psychology and paramedics.
Do you play any other sports and why do you like them?
I played hockey in highschool aswell because I love team sports and the intensity of the game, the crowd would also give me adrenaline.
How old are you?
19.
Which sport clubs do you support and why?
I support Liverpool but mainly support south Africa in all tournaments.
Have you got any advice for young kids who want to become good cricketers?
I would tell young players to always keep their dream in mind and remember where they came from and where they would like to end up.
Who is your best coach and why?
My best coaches were Ryan Mclaren and Coach Lebo in Grey due to them always leading me in the right direction with patience.
What are your goals for coming season at ACC?
I would like to score runs and make my name in the league whilst meeting as many people as possible on the way.
Can you describe your own character, what are your strong and weak points?
I would describe myself as outgoing and excited for a new challenge, I think a negative is I am hard on myself when I do not achieve what I want.
What are your ambitions as a cricket player?
I would like to work hard and see how far my career going, I believe doors will open and ready to grab the opportunities.
Are you studying or working next to cricket?
I will be studying aeronautical engineering in September.
What is your favorite movie and why?
Happy Gilmore.
What is your favorite book and why?
Autobiographies of sportsmen.
What do you know about Dutch cricket?
I believe cricket in the Netherlands is growing and heading in the right direction.
What do you like the most about your own country and why?
I love the people and food in south Africa.
Which country do you like the most besides your home country and why?
Greece, Zanzibar and Dubai due to the nice weather and interesting culture
Why do you love cricket?
I love cricket due to the team atmosphere and what the sport has done for me
Can you describe your cricket career until now?
I would describe my career as a roller coaster but successful up until now.
Where do you want to be and what do you want to do in about ten year from now?
I would like to be playing cricket full time or working in a cool location as an aeronautical engineer.
