Last updated on: January 7, 2025

Erna Jansen, also known as Erna Pretorius, is the mother of South African cricketer Marco Jansen. Marco is famous for his fast bowling skills and has made a name for himself in international cricket. But behind every athlete is a family that plays an important role in their journey. In this article, we’ll learn more about Erna Jansen, Marco’s mother, and her life.

Quick Facts About Erna Jansen

Early Life and Background

Erna Jansen hails from a sports-related family background. She used to be a netball player; therefore, she knows what an athlete has to go through. Erna Pretorius is her original name, and later she married Jacoubous “Koos” Jansen, who is also a former rugby player. Koos used to play for the Free State Cheetahs. They have four children, and their names are Marco, Duan, who is a twin brother of Marco, and Bianca and Leandri are two daughters.

The Sports Family

The Jansen’s family is like a sports school. Both twin sons, Duan and Marco, are great cricketers. Erna was not crazy about cricketing initially, though she always tried to support them in their dreams. At an early stage, her husband Koos gave Marco and Duan the start with cricket, and it went well. Truly, sports activities run in Jansen’s veins.

Erna’s Support toward Marco’s Carrier

Erna wasn’t immediately sold on the idea when Marco and Duan first showed interest in cricket. Like most parents, she was worried about the challenges of a professional sports career. Over time, however, Erna became one of Marco’s biggest supporters, watching him grow as a cricketer and cheering for him every step of the way.

At first, Erna was in two minds about this, but she could see how much her sons loved the game. She knew that just as with her own sports career, hard work and dedication were required to be good at something. Cricket may not have been her favorite sport, but Erna was always there for her sons, giving them love and encouragement.

Koos and Erna – A Winning Combination

While Erna was supporting Marco emotionally, it was Koos, Marco’s father, who played a big role in getting him into cricket. Koos’s background in rugby gave him a strong understanding of sports, which he used to guide Marco and Duan. Erna and Koos made a great team when it came to raising their children. Together, they supported their kids’ dreams and helped them chase their goals.

Marco’s Siblings

Erna has four children. Marco has a twin brother, Duan Jansen, who is also a cricketer. Duan and Marco have been growing up together, and they always supported each other’s careers. Bianca Jansen and Leandri Jansen are also important parts of the family: Bianca is the younger sister, working for a non-profit organization, and Leandri, the older sister, is a photographer.

Leandri is married to Jg Claassen, and the couple has two daughters. Bianca is married to Jan-Hendrik van der Merwe who is a musician. The sibling although pursuing different careers are in close terms and supportive of each other in all that they undertake.

READ ALSO: Marco Jansen Net worth, Age, Girlfriend, Family, Facts & More

Erna role in Marco’s life

Erna Jansen played a very significant role in Marco’s life and career. She is a good mother who will always support her children, regardless of what. Even though she didn’t know much about cricket at first, Erna trusted her sons and their dreams. Her strength and love helped Marco become the cricketer he is today.

In many ways, Erna’s life manifests how much a family can impact an athlete’s career. With support even at times when it was difficult, it gave Marco the confidence needed to succeed.

Source: celebs.infoseemedia.com