Leie targets redemption with the Stars
He’s back home after being in the cricket doldrums this season and is ready to shine
REMEMBER Eddie
Leie? All arms and legs with an animated action and boisterous celebrations that rivalled Imran Tahir. Leie was the Man of the Match in the first of his two appearances for the Proteas three years ago, so where’s he been since?
In short, Bloemfontein. Leie signed with the Knights franchise after the 2016/17 season but his career there has been on the decline and this season he’s not featured at all for the franchise, instead toiling away in the semiprofessional ranks with Free State.
This season has been far from fruitful for the 32-year-old legspinner. He’s picked up just three wickets in five matches spread across three different formats.
Cricket South Africa has sought to extol the virtues of their Mzansi Super League providing opportunities for youngsters, but Leie might also show that it is a tournament that provides scope for redemption.
When the Jozi Stars picked him in the seventh round of the MSL draft last month, many were taken by surprise. But Leie sees it as a big opportunity to prove a point and maybe get a job back with his previous employers.
“I love it here at the Wanderers, hopefully if I do well they will offer me a contract again,” Leie chirped with Gauteng Lions chief executive Greg Fredericks nearby.
“The Joburg crowd appreciates when you do well for the team. I love home, it just reminded me of the energies I had before I left this place. I’m ready to kick it up for the Jozi Stars,” said Leie.
With the Knights no longer utilising him, Leie has bowled over after over in the nets - 120 a week at last count. “But bowling at a cone in the nets and in the middle are different,” he said.
That much became apparent to Leie on Tuesday night when the Stars played a warm-up game against neighbours the Tshwane Spartans at the Wanderers and he bore the brunt of a stunning assault from AB de Villiers.
“I’ve got him out a couple of times before, but that was his night (on Tuesday). AB hit me for six over 45 (backward square leg); nobody’s hit me over there in my life, that guy’s just a different beast.”
Luckily for Leie, there is only one AB, and in terms of other big hitters in the tournament, Leie will have Chris Gayle on his side when the Stars face the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants at the Wanderers tomorrow (7pm).
Leie’s happy with his own bowling too, despite De Villiers’ assault on him.
“I’ve got my googly back and my leg-spinner is coming out nicely. Generally the ball is coming out nicely.
“I like our team, it’s wellbalanced, we can bat down to No 7 and at eight Simon Harmer is also able to hit the ball big. I like our chances,” said Leie.
With the number of fast bowlers available to the Stars – Beuran Hendricks, Duanne Olivier and Kagiso Rabada – Leie may find himself in competition for a single spinner’s berth with Harmer, one of two Kolpak signings in the squad.
“Whoever gets a chance gets a chance, but T20 is my forte. If Simon plays I’ll be supporting him, and I’m sure it will be the same if I play and he doesn’t.”