Simelane keen to learn

Sunrisers Eastern Cape rookie Andile Simelane will be unrelenting in his pursuit of knowledge as the defending champions continue their quest for back-to-back Betway SA20 titles.

The Orange Army’s next match is against Durban’s Super Giants in Gqeberha on Saturday.

The rookie player is a new addition to the second instalment of SA’s premier T20 competition, with each of the six franchises required to select a player from a list of potential young SA stars under the age of 22 who had not been contracted to SA20 before.

Simelane will be spoilt for choice when it comes to learning from Proteas captains Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma, England internationals Dawid Malan and Liam Dawson, head and assistant coaches Adrian Birrell and Baakier Abrahams, bowling coach Dale Steyn and batting coach Russell Domingo, a former Proteas head coach.

“I’m really looking forward to it, it will be great for my growth being able to learn from such a great bunch of guys,” said Simelane, who plies his trade domestically for the Dolphins. “My aim is to acquire as much information [as I need to help me grow].

“I have to make sure I ask a lot of questions because there is so much experience in this squad from players who have been in the game for so many years, so coming in as a youngster I need to ensure that I am like a sponge in terms of soaking up whatever lessons there are to learn here.”

Simelane had no time to react to being drafted as he was in the middle of a domestic match when news of his purchase filtered through. “My teammates were shouting my name [from the dugout], but I was in the middle of a game so I couldn’t really express my feelings.

“Obviously, I was surprised I was picked. I never got an opportunity last year but to get the nod this year was really special,” he said.

The right-arm seamer got into the game at the age of three, through the renowned KFC Mini Cricket programme, where his game developed during his formative years.