Buthelezi has worked at the Wanderers since 1984 and was second in command to one of the best curators in the country, Chris Scott, who is now in a consultant role.
Buthelezi said working under Scott for so many years was an amazing experience and to have succeeded him was the cherry on the top.
“Working under Scott was great, he is a very good man and was very dedicated to his job,” he said.
“I have learnt a lot from him over the years and I still ask him for advice.”
In October last year, when Buthelezi was appointed as head curator at the Bullring, he became only the second black African head groundsman, the first being Wilson Ngobese who is the head curator at Kingsmead Stadium. “I have a good relationship with Ngobese, we share ideas and advise each other, and leading up to the Test match he gave me a few tips and has been very helpful since I took over.”
Leading up to the Test match, Buthelezi admitted that he was nervous. “I did feel a bit of pressure since it was my first international match but I relied on my abilities and the experience from the domestic games that I have gained over the years.”
Buthelezi added that his experience working at the Wanderers over the past three decades since he came to Johannesburg as a young 18-year-old has taught him many life lessons, and dedication was one of them.
“Always be dedicated to your job and have respect for the management, and learn from your job so that you can improve and become better.”
When asked who his favorite cricketer was, Buthelezi said he had a few that he admired which included the late Clive Rice and the young Quinton de Kock, but if he had to choose one it would be bizhub Highveld Lions captain Stephen Cook.
Buthelezi spoke very fondly of Cook. “Stephen is a very nice guy, very quiet but he has a lot of respect and is a hard worker.”
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