Sandton’s star Durness Mackay-Champion shines bright on cricket scene
At just 23, Durness Mackay-Champion has made waves in the cricketing world, transitioning from Scotland’s U19 team to honing his skills at Pirates Cricket Club in Randburg.
Durness Mackay-Champion (23) is making a name for himself in the cricketing world.
Mackay-Champion has represented Scotland on the international stage and is now honing his skills for Pirates Cricket Club based in Joburg north.
Born and growing up in Scotland, the Sandton resident said after starting his cricketing journey in junior school in Perthshire, he quickly developed a passion for the sport, eventually representing Scotland at the U19 level.
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“I first fell in love with cricket in school. While I enjoyed rugby and hockey, it was cricket that captured my heart. Now, being here in South Africa is a dream come true and a vital step in my growth as a player,” he said.
His ascent in cricket began when he played in area and regional squads, culminating in his selection for the Scotland U15 team. The pivotal moment of his career came when he debuted in the U19 World Cup in South Africa in 2020, providing him with invaluable experience at the highest level.
Reflecting on his time representing Scotland, Mackay-Champion said, “Wearing the Scotland jersey was an immense honour, especially during the World Cup. It was a special experience shared with friends I’ve played alongside since childhood.”
Transitioning from local cricket in Edinburgh to an overseas opportunity was a natural next step for the young cricketer.
Mackay-Champion said he became acquainted with Pirates Cricket Club through a teammate at Heriot’s Cricket Club, who recommended the club while emphasising the benefits of playing in Johannesburg.
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“I realised that joining Pirates Cricket Club would allow me to develop further and gain experience in a different cricketing environment and it has turned out to be a rewarding decision. Injuries were tough, but I learned patience. Every player experiences challenges, and resilience is key to making it in elite sports.”
Among his many achievements, qualifying for the U19 World Cup in the Netherlands stands out as a career highlight. “That tournament felt like everything came together. We beat strong rivals to secure our World Cup spot. Achievements like that remind you why you put in the hard work.”
As he sets his sights on the upcoming season, Mackay-Champion said he wanted to score as many runs as possible and ensure that he makes impactful contributions.
“I aspire to break into the senior Scotland setup and earn a spot in the English county system. Being part of the global T20 circuit, particularly in leagues like SA20, fascinates me. I want to play around the world and face different challenges to grow as a cricketer.”
Mackay-Champion shared advice to aspiring cricketers. “Enjoy the journey and embrace every opportunity. Whether it’s a tough net session or an early morning workout, every moment shapes you as a player. Cricket has already taken me to incredible places and I’m always looking for the next challenge.”
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