Vanuatu 12 year old to play in Fiji

At just 12 years of age, Stephan Sandy will become the youngest player ever to represent the Digicel Vanuatu Under 17 team who will be competing in the ICC EAP Under 17 Championship in Fiji next month.

When the team was announced, the elation was evident on the young boy's face ? a joy shared by his team mates, coaches and the Vanuatu Cricket board members who were present at the team naming ceremony.

Stephan is of Tongoa/Tanna origin and lives with his parents, who are both Vanuatu Police Force members, near the home of cricket ? Independence Park.

A Year 5 student at Vila East School in Port Vila, he began his cricket career while in Class 3 when he was picked by his school to represent them in the Ridgway Blake SEPSSA games.

After this he regularly participated in Vanuatu Cricket's Digicel Youth Program until he was spotted playing in the training nets by the APT Dolphins scouts and was drafted into their junior ranks at the tender age of 10.

Living at Independence Park, he regularly has the chance to rub shoulders with members of the Digicel Vanuatu Men's Team. It is no surprise that he chose the art of spin bowling as his favourite player is none other than current Captain of the senior national team ? Andrew Mansale.

He began emulating his idol and soon he was spinning for the APT Dolphin's junior and senior teams.

Speaking on Wednesday, Sandy offered an insight into why he has been successful;

"I've trained hard and had belief in myself," he said.

Vanuatu Cricket wishes Stephan and his team mates all the best for the tournament in Fiji and assures parents and guardians that they will be well looked after by their Coach, Chris Moran and Team Manager, Henry Boe while on tour.