Khalid Mohidin caught up with the Tshwane Spartans’ Wild Card pick, Donovan Ferreira, ahead of the second edition of the Mzansi Super League.
It took one tweet to change Donovan Ferreira’s life. Whilst at a fellow teammate and friend’s house, Ruben Trumpelmann, he received news that sent him on an emotional rollercoaster.
Despite being snubbed by Northerns for the CSA Provincial T20 Challenge, the 21-year-old was selected as a Wild Card pick for the Tshwane Spartans.
“My emotions ran high – I was overwhelmed, shocked, happy – a lot of mixed emotions running through my body,” said Ferreira about the news in an exclusive interview with Cricket Fanatics Magazine.
“I found out when someone sent me a screenshot of a Twitter post, so I wasn’t sure whether to believe it or not. But when the team manager called me then it only sunk in and the reality hit me.
“My emotions ran even higher, I was really excited and really overwhelmed and really grateful because I’ve been waiting for a breakthrough. For it to happen at this stage is quite amazing.”
Many would not have heard about the young explosive Northerns cricketer, but he has been quite an important asset to TUKS, winning two Varsity Cup titles.
His affinity with TUKS evoked his response to contact someone who he has identified as having a major influence on his cricketing career thus far.
“The first person I called was coach Kruger (van Wyk) because we were waiting for the news together,” Ferreira added.
“After that, I called my mom and she was also very emotional. We went for dinner with my family and Ruben, because I would rather celebrate with close friends and family because it’s an achievement that we as a family should celebrate.”
What sums up the youngster, is his ability to finish off games. He proved this last year’s Varsity Cup tournament when he scored two crucial half-centuries against Varsity rivals UJ. This included a knock of 75 off 35 balls.
On both occasions, his team was in a spot of bother and he managed to rescue TUKS by putting them in a winning position.
These qualities seem to have been picked up by the Spartans who used their Wild Card pick on the Ferreira.
We all saw how the Mzansi Super League has changed the lives of young cricketers and Ferreira, aware of this, is hopeful that he can follow in the footsteps of those before him.
“I’m excited to learn from the best players in the world that are in my team,” said Ferreira.
“Not enough money can buy the lessons and experience I will learn in the next two months of my cricketing career.
“The biggest thing for me is to learn and grow as a player. I think if I get the opportunity to play I want to just express myself and not pull into my shell.
“I want to try to have a positive effect on the team with the bat, in the field, with the ball or if I’m keeping, and try to do my best in every situation. Most importantly I want to try and win games for my team.”
The youngster also has a life-changing opportunity that many young cricketers could only dream of – the chance to share a dressing room with AB de Villiers.
“I’m most excited to learn from AB de Villiers,” he said. “Most people would be because he is a cricket legend.
“I think the most important thing is to learn how he thinks in pressure situations.
“He has done some crazy things, has great records, so if I can take something out of that… Because I am also an aggressive player and sometimes I overthink when I’m batting.
“If I can learn from him regarding that aspect, that will be amazing.”
Not only does Ferreira bat and bowl off-spin, he is also a wicketkeeper, who will have the chance to learn from one of the best coaches in the country and South Africa’s wicketkeeping legend Mark Boucher.
“Learning from Boucher will add tremendous value to my game, as he is one of the best keepers in the world,” he explained.
“He has proven this with his stats. I haven’t had much opportunity to keep for TUKS, so I had to bowl off-spin but obviously learning from Boucher can only be beneficial to me.
“He’s obviously a tough coach and sets high standards which are a massive plus point for me. I can only grow working with him in terms of technique, mindset and every aspect of my game.
“So working with him is a massive privilege. Not everyone will get an opportunity to work with him so I’m very grateful to have him as a coach and to have him guide me in the whole the process.
The Mzansi Super League kicks off in November.
Photo: Supplied
