Rata Alphonse is na avonturen bij HCC en Kampong weer terug op het oude nest en gaat weer voor ACC 1 spelen. Daar zijn we met zijn allen natuurlijk ongelooflijk blij mee. In de aanloop naar het nieuwe seizoen vragen we onze nieuwe aanwinst de hemd van het lijf.
Why did you start playing cricket?
I was too small to be a goalkeeper in football, so I joined the cricket club (Hilversum Cricket Club) next to my football club and became a wicketkeeper. Some backyard cricket with my sister helped too, because I wanted to do anything she did.
What are your strong points as a batsman?
Adapting to different situations. It’s something I’ve developed over the years being an opening batsman with different roles.
What are your strong points as a bowler and what type of a bowler are you?
Well, I’m a wicketkeeper, but I’m not a bad leg-spinner (that’s what I believe).
Who is your idol and why?
My Dutch grandparents who sadly passed away a few years ago. They are the reason I’m a man with good norms and values.
What are the professions of your parents?
My dad works at an interior design company and my mum works at a residential home care.
For which club did you play your last season back home and how did it go?
I played in Australia for Hay Park Cricket Club. I top scored for the club in my first season overseas. In the Netherlands I played for Kampong 1 almost my entire career. Last year Kampong became Topklasse champions. In the 5 games I played last season I scored a century.
Does sport run in the family, have you got any family members who are good in sport?
My sister used to be an unreal football player. She did some Jiu-Jitsu too.
What are your hobbies?
Darts and watching NBA.
How did you come in contact with ACC?
People at the club might know I played my youth cricket at ACC back in 2014. I made my ACC 1 debut when I was just 14 years old. After a few good chats with good friends of mine and the club, Sean Walsh and EP, I was convinced to come back.
What is your favorite dinner?
A good medium-rare steak + fries with bearnaise sauce
What do you like about the Netherlands?
We just tell you how it is whether you like it or not
What is until now the highlight of your career?
Becoming T10 European Champions with the Netherlands XI in 2022 and playing at Lord’s.
Can you describe the place where you live back home?
I live in Alkmaar with my lovely girlfriend and my two cats. It’s an amazing and warm feeling coming home to them every day.
Have you got any brothers and sisters and what are they doing?
I got a sister and she’s doing what she does best: being awesome.
Do you play any other sports and why do you like them?
I play darts. I like it because it’s brutally objective. The board doesn’t have opinions, favorites, or narratives. No subjective selection, just performance-based arrows. If I perform, I win. If I don’t, I lose.
How old are you?
25
Which sport clubs do you support and why?
AJAX, family always supported AJAX, so it automatically became my club by birth.
Have you got any advice for young kids who want to become good cricketers?
Control the controllable. You can’t control opinions or selections, but you can control the mindset and effort you put in to become a better player. Don’t try to impress anyone, just have fun.
Who is your best coach and why?
Mangaliso Mosehle, just the calm and effective way of coaching. He’s like a brother to me.
What are your goals for coming season at ACC?
Promote to the Topklasse
Can you describe your own character, what are your strong and weak points?
I’m loyal to my friends and loved ones. Patience is not my strongest point, but I’m working on it.
What are your ambitions as a cricket player?
To fall back in love with the game.
Are you studying or working next to cricket?
I’m studying to become a primary school teacher.
What is your favorite movie and why?
The Irishman with Robert De Niro and Al Pacino. The depth in storytelling based on real life events is amazing.
What is your favorite book and why?
The Art Of Always Being Right (38 Ways To Win An Argument)
What do you know about Dutch cricket?
A lot of Dutch kids end up playing football or hockey because of it.
Which country do you like the most besides your home country and why?
Australia, I played a season of cricket in Bunbury/Perth last year and it was such an amazing experience. Made friends and memories for life.
Why do you love cricket?
I really loved the Dutch international youth days when we played with our homegrown players traveling to England, Denmark etc. etc. Those are memories I’ll cherish for life.
Can you describe your cricket career until now?
Cricket is the reason behind the best moments and the worst moments in my life. It mentally drained me, but it also gave me fuel to be motivated. It’s like an ex-girlfriend you keep going back to, although you might be better off without it.
Where do you want to be and what do you want to do in about ten years from now?
Healthy and happy family with my girlfriend. The two cats should be fine: they’d be 12 and 10 by that time. I want a dog soon. Maybe a darts-player. Time will tell.
