No brainer for all rounder Mhletywa to join EP
Eastern Province all-rounder Alindile Mhletywa said it was an easy decision to make when approached to be part of the squad for the upcoming 2020-21 domestic campaign.
Mhletywa, 24, joins the EP ranks confident the side can pick up where they left off last season despite the abrupt nature in which last season came to an end because of national lockdown.
“I was notified by Border that EP was interested in signing me, so even if I had got an offer elsewhere, I would still have come here,” Mhletywa said.
The Mthatha-born player, who has spent most of his life in East London, said it was an exciting squad to be a part of because there were still enough experienced players to balance out their youthful nature.
“With the likes of Marcello Piedt coming in having previous experience with the Titans, and Sithembile Langa, who played for the Warriors, it’s great to have that kind of experience in the team, because you are always learning.
“Add to that Thomas Kaber and Tian Koekemoer, who have also been playing the game for some time, and I think it gives us good balance in all departments and can only benefit us going forward,” he said.
Despite not being contracted, he spent the 2019/20 campaign in the Border ranks aside from his CSA Academy duties, and the right-arm seamer said it had helped him strengthen his game mentality.
“It [domestic cricket] was a great experience for me. Coming from the CSA Academy set up at the University of Fort Hare, it definitely helped me to grow.
“I think my approach to the game is a lot different to what it was then. I think it helped me to understand what I needed to do to take my game forward,” he said.
Asked what role he would be looking to play in the set up, Mhletywa, a former Warriors Colts player, said one of his goals would be to aim for consistency in his performances.
“I just want to be a bit more dominant when I play. I just want to go out there and do what I know.
“Consistency is very important, so for me, to be able to perform for the team would be a big goal of mine, being able to help the team in any match situation and come away with the right result in the end,” the former Cambridge schoolboy said. Mhletywa believes coach Poet Botha’s EP side will be well-prepared and raring to go for the new campaign, and believes they had the capability to cause some major upsets.
Previously based in Buffalo City, Mhletywa will be relocating to the metro, where he is likely to also play club cricket although he said he has not yet made a final decision as to which club that will be with.