Sipamla excited to play in Lions colours
WHAT’S a 21-year-old sportsman to do when instructed to practice social distancing?
In Lutho Sipamla’s case, after helping his mum with the groceries he can go for a run or a swim and hit the couch.
Sipamla’s family own a small holding near Port Elizabeth where he can go for a run, so he’s not entirely confined indoors.
“It’s quite big, so I stay on the property and can go for a run. I’ve also been able to go for the odd swim, and then inside, watch TV, play PlayStation – you know, all the regular stuff a 21-year-old will do,” he said.
“It’s not easy. I’m quite an active person, I like to keep busy, get out, keep training, always be on the field. But this, the social distancing, it’s for the benefit of our health. It’s the right thing to do.”
Sipamla’s season was cut short by Cricket South Africa’s announcement last week that it would be suspending the 2019/20 season and that meant he’d also played his last match for the Warriors.
From next season – whenever that starts – he will be a member of the Lions after signing for the Gauteng franchise last week.
“It’s purely a cricketing decision,” he insists.
“It’s about trying to be better and trying to enhance my skills by playing on the Highveld.”
There would have been financial rewards too – the Lions are a wealthier franchise – but as a fast bowler, location is crucial and he’ll certainly find it more rewarding bowling fast at the Wanderers than he would at St George’s Park.
“The brand of cricket (the Lions) play also excites me; they play attacking cricket and as you can see from the success they’ve had in the last two seasons, it’s paid off for them.”
What Sipamla has shown in his short professional career is that he enjoys the spotlight and taking on more responsibility.
He first made an impression on the South African public during the inaugural season of the Mzansi Super League when injuries to senior players at the Tshwane Spartans forced him into a senior role, bowling with the new ball and bowling at the death.
His success there earned him national recognition and he went on to play for South Africa, donning Proteas gear in nine matches – four ODIs and five T20 Internationals.
Besides the geography, Sipamla also highlighted the Lions’ coaching staff as being another attraction and in particular getting to work with head coach Wandile Gwavu, who’s been like a mentor to him since his formative years as a cricketer.
“There’s a lot of things he helped me with from a very young age that made me realise that I want to play cricket,” said Sipamla.
Gwavu’s known Sipamla since he was 10 years old, and worked with him through all the age group ranks at Eastern Province.
“We talk about improvement, excellence and performance at the Lions and that’s what we expect from him,” said Gwavu.
“He’s a youngster that’s spent a lot of time in the Eastern Cape and this will be the first time he’s going to be away from his family, so I need to be mindful of that.”
Sipamla is grateful for the role Eastern Province and the franchise side, the Warriors, have played in his career.
“I’ve learned humility, hard work and how to have a steady head at the Warriors. The people here are very special to me and they will always be a part of my heart. I’m grateful for the opportunity they gave me.”