Mbhalati adapts his game to new role

VETERAN pace bowler Ethy Mbhalati is looking forward to a new “mentoring” role at Easterns during the upcoming Africa T20 Cup.

Mbhalati (33) is a long-time stalwart of The Unlimited Titans franchise, having been a stellar performer for over a decade at SuperSport Park, Centurion.

A firm favourite with the Light Blues fans for his previously dreadlock-style hair, Mbhalati – who now sports a shaven head – is one of the unluckiest players on the South African domestic circuit not to have gained full international colours, with his highest representative honour being a couple of SA ”A” caps.

Mbhalati, though, is content with what he has achieved and is keen to share some of his experiences with his new teammates at ‘the Sahara Park Willowmoore Cricket Stadium, in Benoni.

“We have quite a young team here at Easterns, so it has been rather exciting working with such an eager bunch of players,” he said.

”They’ve kind of attached themselves to me; perhaps it helps that I understand where they’re coming from, because I was also very nervous when I first came into the Titans dressing room.

“We have played a couple of T20 warm-up games and the guys really listen attentively when I say something in the dressing room or at the break, and to witness the change in their games already is really rewarding.

”I’m expecting some big things from a couple of these young faces in the Africa T20 Cup.”

Eaterns will be coached by former Protea player and fast bowler André Nel, while CSA has announced that the Africa T20 Cup Ambassador will be Makhaya Ntini.

Easterns (Willowmoore Park), North West (Senwes Park), Griquas (Diamond Oval) and Free State (Mangaung Oval) will be the venues for the four pool matches, and some of these venues will also host the semi-final and final, depending on which teams advance and based on an assessment of the quality of venue hosting during the pool stages.

The tournament will run from September 4 to October 4.