Since its inception in 2015, Varsity Cricket has been the breeding ground for South Africa’s young and upcoming talent. Varsity Cricket, with all its fanfare, excitement and scintillating T20 cricket, provides talented youngsters the opportunity to step up to the pitch, so to speak, and put their name in lights. The television coverage also adds that extra element and incentive that anyone could be watching the beginning of a Protea in the making. Here is a look at some up and coming cricketers who made their name in Varsity Cricket and are currently playing franchise cricket.
Lungi Ngidi (Titans)
The first player that comes to mind when you think of young bowling talent in South Africa is undoubtedly Lungi Ngidi, the Titans fast-bowler. The 20-year-old speedster played two seasons for Tuks and his performances with the ball paved a way for consecutive Varsity Cricket titles. Ngidi recently claimed another feather in his cap when he was selected for the Proteas T20 squad against Sri Lanka for the upcoming T20 series. Ngidi could well become the first Varsity Cricket alumni to play for the Proteas – an exciting prospect and salute to the career-making tournament that is Varsity Cricket.
Zubayr Hamza (Cape Cobras)
With a first class average of 48.02 in first class cricket, it is clear to see that this Cape Cobras batsman has a knack for scoring runs. The University of Western Cape (UWC) player has gone from strength to strength since last year’s Varsity Cricket tournament where he was one of the top run scorers. His runs lead the team to a surprise final place, but unfortunately they lost to Tuks. Hamza will be knocking on the door of Protea selection in the near future if he keeps his consistency with the bat.
André Malan (Lions)
The explosive right-handed former Pukke batsman, André Malan was a key figure in Pukke’s first two Varsity Cricket squads and his big hitting caught the eye of the Bizhub Lions T20 squad in 2015. Malan played a number of good knocks for the Lions and has performed valiantly for the North West Dragons as well hitting a number of 50s and 100s. Malan also recently made cricket history when he and his two other cricket brothers, Janneman and Pieter, scored centuries on the same day of a provincial three-day match.
Wihan Lubbe (Lions)
Lubbe will once again take part in this year’s Varsity Cricket tournament as the captain of hosts NWU-Pukke and will aim to bring the trophy home this time around. Since debuting in the Varsity Cup and showcasing his talent to the world, this left-handed opener has not looked back. His run scoring form for Pukke and the North West Dragons has enabled Lubbe to break into the Lions squad for the 2016/17 season. Big things are guaranteed to come his way.
Yassar Cook (Lions)
The St Stithians old boy and University of Johannesburg batsman has built up quite a reputation as a steady top-order batsman since debuting in Varsity Cricket. Since then he has switch his orange UJ kit for a red bizhub Highveld Lions one as he continues his steady climb at franchise level. His highest T20 score of 102* is an indication of Cook’s talent.
By Wouter Pienaar
