Mangongoma brings grit to EP top order
Eastern Province batsman Sihle Mangongoma will be looking to build some solid foundations up front for his new side as he prepares for the new season.
The 24-year-old right-hander will be eager to impress his new employers as he looks to cement his place in an already talented EP outfit.
Inspired by the Proteas “silent warrior” Hashim Amla, Mangongoma, who sees himself as an opening batsman, will be looking to play a key role for EP at the top of the order in both formats of the game.
“My aim is definitely to get game time under my belt to help the team.
“I just want to make positive contributions to the team and help them to achieve the goals we set out before the season starts.
“I take a lot of inspiration from Hashim Amla in the way he bats and manages to construct his innings.
“For EP, my aims will be the same, to be able to hold down one end for the team and build a strong foundation for the rest to work with.
“We have a talented squad of players, each with their own qualities.
“We have a good balance in terms of our youth players, but also more experienced players which is cause for a lot of excitement,” he said.
Despite not being contracted to Border, Mangongoma, who attended University of
Fort Hare, said he moved away from the Bay to look for more opportunities in the game.
“I was quite shocked to get the call by Border, I did not expect it but I was happy that my hard work had paid off,” the former Masipathisane Senior
Secondary School pupil said.
Despite not being able to complete his studies, Mangongoma’s performances while at UFH earned him a call up to Border in the 2018/2019 season.
An EP representative at age group level, Mangongoma, originally from Motherwell, said the decision to return was made very easy as he felt like it was the right time.
“When I returned to PE, I played for Motherwell Cricket Club.
“I knew I needed to work hard if I wanted to get another shot at provincial cricket and that is exactly what I did.
“Coming back here is very special.
“There is such a family environment here, so it was easy for me to say yes when I received the offer to come and play here.
“I did play a few games for EP at the back end of last season, so I know the brand of cricket they are looking to play and if we can get our basics right, I think we could certainly challenge for silverware this season,” he said.
Mangongoma will also be looking to make his opportunities count as he aims for a berth at franchise level and believes he has what it takes to make it at higher levels, if given the opportunity.