Exclusive Interview: Ronaldo Ali Mohamed – The Talented 16-year-old

As EssentiallySports continues to feature some of West Indies talent in cricket, so this week’s spotlight will be on one of its most talented all rounder of the region- Ronaldo Ali Mohamed.

This 16-year-old continues to marvel and mesmerize with his fast bowling and batting given the fact that many fast bowlers do not contribute as much with the bat. In 2013 he was the WICB man of the tournament of the regional two day competition where he took 33 wickets. His best was against Jamaica where he captured 9 wickets for 20 runs against the Jamaicans and was also able to scored 28 runs in first innings and 39 in the second innings respectively. He was the U-15 captain of his club-the Demerara Cricket Club, who in the past have produced such good players as Carl Hooper, Roger Harper, Shiv.

Chanderpaul and Ramesh Sarwan who have all represented West Indies. He also captained the national U-15 and U-17 sides in the past. During the last U-19 regional tournament he was named the vice captain for the victorious team who defeated Jamaica to retain their regional title. He along with his team mate Keemo Paul played a vital innings to win as both bagged 2 wickets a piece. When EssentiallySports contacted the exciting young man who was more than happy to talk with us about his career.

EssentiallySports: How long are you playing cricket?
Ronaldo Ali Mohamed: 12 years now.

EssentiallySports: What or who inspired you to play cricket?
Ronaldo Ali Mohamed: My uncle, he played for Nortel U-17 and Buster cricket. That made me developed a love for the game.

EssentiallySports: What have been your greatest achievement so far?                                                                                                                               Ronaldo Ali Mohamed: My achievement so far is in the regional U-15 tournament in 2013, I have achieved the most wickets and was named the most valuable player for the tournament and of match.

EssentiallySports: Who do you consider as your role model? Ronaldo Ali Mohamed: I consider Lara and Kevin Pietersen as my role models.

EssentiallySports: What are your plans for the future?                   Ronaldo Ali Mohamed: My plan is to become a professional cricketer and represent the West Indies in the future.

EssentiallySports: What are you doing presently to achieve your goal and what difficulties have you encountered?                         Ronaldo Ali Mohamed: I’m working more hard on my bowling and batting skills presently to become a better cricketer in future. I’m training 3 times a week with my coach.

EssentiallySports: What version of the game do you prefer? Ronaldo Ali Mohamed: I prefer limited overs- one day and T20.

EssentiallySports: Many successful players like Bravo and Pollard have become more or less freelance cricketers giving preference to club over international cricket..what impact or impression does this create on young players like you?                                                            Ronaldo Ali Mohamed: Playing cricket in different conditions are a huge advantage to young cricketer as can help you develop skills to be successful in the future Bravo and Pollard are fantastic players and I would like to see them back in WI as force in all format of the game as they are important role models to me and I will work hard to develop my skills to see WI return as a major force in all format of world cricket.

EssentiallySports: What has been your most memorable performance to date?                                                                                      Ronaldo Ali Mohamed: Being the leading wicket taker in tournament in the WICB regional U-15 in 2013.

EssentiallySports: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years in terms of your career?                                                                                       Ronaldo Ali Mohamed: In next 5 years I hope to be playing in WI senior team however first I must be successful in my club senior team, WI U-19 and the Guyana senior team which will enable me to be selected for WI.

EssentiallySports: What are your views on domestic cricket in WI and more can be done to improve?                                                          Ronaldo Ali Mohamed: Based on WI success in past I would say better pitches are needed in WI, more involvement of past cricketers and more academies for young players like myself . The academy will educate young players on discipline, mental strength and skills needed to succeed.