The Itec Knights seam attack has received a major boost with two of the bowlers, Gerald Coetzee and Migael Pretorius, getting an opportunity to ply their trade with the best.
On Tuesday Coetzee was named in the South Africa A team to tour Zimbabwe from this week for three One-Day games and five T20 matches.
Pretorius in his turn has found himself in the Mumbai Indians setup for the Indian Premier League, which is currently underway on the subcontinent.
Both players were a part of the IPL auction earlier in the year; however, they were unsold and were not placed with teams.
Last year Coetzee was called up to the IPL as a replacement for the English cricketer, Liam Livingstone, at the Rajasthan Royals.
Speaking of his call up to the SA ‘A’ team Coetzee told Bloemfontein Courant that he wants to measure himself against the best in the country.
“I’m eager to see what my skill will be at this level,” said the 21-year-old Coetzee, who is also no slouch with the bat.
“How you match up to other players when you play at this level is always the question. I’m also calm in the sense that we have a very strong side for the tour.
“I’m very excited to go to Zimbabwe, play good cricket and whatever happens – it will be a good learning opportunity.”
The Knights coach, JP Triegaardt, told Bloemfontein Courant that it is a fantastic opportunity for both players and the knowledge gained will be an asset to the team.
“The two frontline bowlers in the Knights attack have both been given an opportunity to play at the highest level and also to gain experience amongst players who have done this for years.
“For us it is massive and the experience they are going to bring back to impart to the younger players is also good for us. We are very proud of and happy for both of them.”
Meanwhile, the Knights have contracted four new players in the form of Aubrey Swanepoel, Isaac Dikgale (both Northern Cape Heat), Gihahn Cloete (Titans) and Nipho Mpungose (KwaZulu-Natal). – MORGAN PIEK
