BLACKS TO THE BATTING

A NEW breed of black batsmen emerging in local cricket could be the answer to the continuous contentious concern about the lack of black African cricketers coming through the ranks into the national Proteas squad.

So far, SA has produced four world-class bowlers in Makhaya Ntini and Lonwabo Tsotsobe, pictured , as well as Monde Zondeki and Mfuneko Ngam, whose careers were cut short by injury.

But there are yet to be prolific batsmen who don the green and gold in test, ODI and Twenty20 cricket, with the exception of Lungile “Loots” Bosman.

Khayelihle Zondo (21) has caught the eye after exceptional innings in the domestic T20 competition, including a century. This indicates that the quest for a specialist black batsman is not over.

Cricket SA high performance centre’s (HPC) coach Anton Ferreira says it is exciting to see black players emerge, particularly batsmen, some of whom have filtered through the HPC.

“There is no shortage of players on the scene. Now it’s just a question of the national perspective – seeing them reach the top level.

“We have done what we can for guys like Thami Tsolekile. What is needed now is for these players to get sufficient game time at their various teams. These are players for the future, ” Ferreira said.

Another promising batsman set to be a future star is Lions’ Temba Bavuma (21), who has hit two first-class centuries this year. Others with potential to put to bed the notion that there are no black batsmen include Boland captain Omphile Ramela (23), Mthokozisi Shezi (24) of the Dolphins and Titans’ wicketkeeper/batsman Mangaliso Masehle (21).

“These are very capable batsmen. All they need are opportunities at their clubs. But there are aspects outside cricket which deter the progression of black cricketers. Many choose to focus on studies rather than the game. So, academies that develop the holistic player like the one at Fort Hare University run by Ngam, aim to counter this tendency,” said Ferreira.