KZN Academy 2016 intake bond at Shongweni camp:
The 18-strong KZN Cricket Academy intake for 2016 are currently embroiled in a fun yet challenging three day team building camp at Spirit of Adventure at Shongweni Dam in the Upper Highway area as they look to strengthen relationships off the field ahead of their approaching busy schedule on it.
A quadrangular series in Potchefstroom in July, the CSA Franchise Colts Week in Oudtshoorn in September and a mouth-watering trip to Abu Dhabi in December await this year’s crop of tomorrow’s stars, all assignments the group is eager to impress at.
“The boys will be tested rigorously through a wide variety of different physical and mental activities during our time at Shongweni with the goal to bring the group closer before we head out onto the field,” explains KZN Academy Assistant Coach, Thokozani Zulu.
“We’ve got some big games coming up, starting off in Potch in five weeks’ time, and a strong team spirit will play an important role in contributing towards them overcoming the challenges they will be faced with on the field.
“We’ve got a great record as an Academy, having won 24 out of our last 25 matches, and that is something we will look to continue again this year as we aim to go out there and play the best possible cricket we can,” he adds. “Hopefully our time on camp will help in the achievement of that,” he adds.
The group of 18 players comprises of eight new faces – Blayde Cappel, Okuhle Cele, Tyron Koen, Nduduzo Mfoza, Jason Wagener, Richard Wissing, Dudu Zondo, Sthabiso Zungu – while ten of last year’s squad have returned, including captain Luke Schlemmer.
Notable absentees from last year’s group are Senuran Muthusamy and Rabian Engelbrecht, both of whom have now progressed from the Academy’s ranks into regular Provincial team members and, on occasion during the 2015/16 season, even on to represent the Sunfoil Dolphins in the various formats.
“The Academy forms a vital part of the pipeline of talent identification and development, helping take players from school and club level and prepare them for Provincial cricket and beyond.
“Sen (Muthusamy) has proven to be such a great role model for the rest of the guys at Academy level through his tremendous work ethic – always being first to training or willing to do that extra bit of work on his game.
“He did so well this last season and, in so doing, has also done the programme proud!”
While Muthusamy and Engelbrecht look to continue to contribute meaningfully towards the KZN Provincial side’s cause and push for more regular Franchise inclusion, the likes of Smangaliso Nhlebela, Johnny Riekert, Jason Oakes, Bruce Kerr, Jesse Smit and Okuhle Cele will all look to continue their journey through the ranks and take on the next level.
“It is great to have seen some of our Academy boys representing KZN at Provincial level last season.
“Hopefully this can continue again this coming season on the back of strong performances for the Academy.
“It is also nice to see guys like Okuhle and Smangaliso – amongst others – earning semi-pro contracts for the coming season alongside Sen and Rabian; now it’s just about ensuring these guys stay grounded and make the most of their opportunity,” says Zulu.
The squad’s trip to Potch sees them take on Free State, North West and Pukke’s academy outfits before the group combines with the KZN Inland setup for their Colts assignment in September.
The group’s invitation to attend an academies tournament in the United Arab Emirates in December is another mouth-watering prospect for the group who will square up against international academies and gain much form their international experience.
Should any party be interested in contributing financially to the squad’s tour aspirations, please contact Sunfoil Dolphins CEO Pete de Wet on (031) 335 4200.
The KZN Cricket Academy squad is guided by Head Coach, Yashin Ebrahim and Assistant Coaches, Thokozani Zulu and Bheki Nyathikazi.
KZN Cricket Academy squad:
Blayde Cappel, Okuhle Cele, Mlungiseleli Gcado, Nazeer Jaffar, Bruce Kerr, Tyron Koen, Nduduzo Mfoza, Ainsley Ndlovu, Smangaliso Nhlebela, Jason Oakes, Gavin Reddy, Johnny Riekert, Luke Schlemmer (captain), Jesse Smit, Jason Wagener, Richard Wissing, Dudu Zondo, Sthabiso Zungu
Full article here: Sunfoil Dolphins – DolphinsCricket
Dolphins trio included in National Academy 2016 intake:
Exciting young Sunfoil Dolphins talents Andile Phehlukwayo, Sibonelo Makhanya and Tshepang Dithole recently joined their fellow 2016 Powerade South African National Academy members at the Centre of Excellence in Pretoria and are already hard at work, eager to take their game to the next level this winter.
Just 20, 20 and 23 years old respectively, the three stars of the future have already started to make their marks at both Provincial and Franchise level domestically but are eager to use this opportunity to further their careers and ultimately go on to represent their country at senior level.
“The National Academy is a really nice process to go through for us as players making our way from semi-pro to full professional level,” explained former South Africa U19 captain, Makhanya.
“Being part of the National Academy is a great opportunity and a step you need to take if you want to get to the next level!
“There are great coaches here at the Academy and amazing facilities at the High Performance Centre; I can’t think of any better place to be as we all look to grow as cricketers,” he added.
Phehlukwayo cemented his position in the Dolphins line-up this past season through his abilities across all three formats, proving his worth with the ball in particularly when often tasked with delivering the high-pressured final overs throughout the 2015/16 RAM Slam T20 Challenge.
While naturally athletic in the field and a hard-hitting lower order batsman, Phehlukwayo is eager to work hard on both his batting and fitness this winter as he looks to heighten his status as a genuine all-rounder.
“One day I hope to play a similar role to what Ben Stokes currently does for England – bat at six or seven and bowl first change, especially in the really important overs such as at the death!
“I’m really excited to have been involved in all three formats at Franchise level so far but I especially enjoy four day cricket and then the challenge of T20.
“I was disappointed with my batting last season and felt I let myself down so I want to work mainly on that during my time at the National Academy, as well as my fitness.”
Dithole and Makhanya echo Phehlukwayo’s batting aspirations for their time in Pretoria with Makhanya eager to absorb as much as he can from the wealth and variety of coaching philosophies the group is set to be exposed to between June and August.
“I’m looking to work as hard as I can over the next few months as I try to establish myself in the Dolphins side this coming season as a batter, primarily, that can also bowl.
“We’re working with Vincent Barnes, Shukri Conrad and Andre Nel at the moment with guys like Ashwell Price, Stephen Cook – when he’s available – and HD Ackerman also set to join us at times – who are all great people to work with.
“The diversity within our group of players, who, having come from various different backgrounds, each bring their own styles to the mix, is also great as it gives us a chance to learn from one another as well,” said Makhanya.
The four-phase men’s programme culminates in a series against the Sri Lankan Emerging Team in the second half of August.
Momentum Proteas and KZN Women’s stand-out Chloe Tryon will also be busy in Pretoria this winter as she joins her fellow Powerade SA National Academy Women’s Squad members at the same facility under the guidance of national women’s coach, Hilton Moreeng.
Full article here: Sunfoil Dolphins – DolphinsCricket
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