Two young KZN stars set for national academy honours
Two KZN cricketers have been chosen for the Powerade National Academy.
CRICKET South Africa recently named the 18 players selected for the Powerade National Academy with two players from KwaZulu-Natal making the squad, all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy and seamer Okuhle Cele.
The National Academy has helped shape a number of other well-known cricket players in the province such as Mthokozisi Shezi, Sibonelo Makhanya and Proteas all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo, to name but a few.
Muthusamy, who has been in good form for the Hollywoodbets Dolphins Sunfoil Series team, said that being selected for the national academy is a stepping stone for higher honours.
“It feels like I am making progress in my career and improving. And I would love to make use of this opportunity by going to the National Academy and continue to learn about myself, the game and to work with different coaches,” he said.
He further stated that as he is going to the Academy, he would like to improve his skills across all three formats of the cricket game, which is the Four Day, the Over 50 and T20.
Cele, who plays for the KwaZulu-Natal U19 and is a member of the Dolphins Academy, expressed his excitement for having received this opportunity as this was his goal for 2017.
“To be picked amongst one the best junior cricketers in the country is an absolute honour and I am looking forward to grow and learn from the experience. I want to grow both as a cricketer and mentally at the Academy. It is an incredible opportunity and my aim is to become a better cricketer and, obviously making the SA emerging side will be a bonus, but my main priority will be to improve my game,” said Cele.
Cele also said that he aspires to play for the Dolphins one day and that representing his home franchise has always been his childhood dream.
They both agreed that hard work and perseverance do produce results.
Cricket South Africa High Performance Manager, Vincent Barnes, said that he believes the Academy has been very successful in preparing players for the next step in their careers.
“It not only addresses their cricket skills, but the life skills aspect as well.”
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