Nabeelah Fakier chatted to Gihahn Cloete who expressed how the snub in the Mzansi Super League “played on his mind”, but hasn’t dented his desire to play for the Proteas.
Gihahn Cloete is a wicketkeeper-batsman who plays for the Warriors. He played for the Proteas in their T20 Internationals against Zimbabwe and Pakistan.
He also has 110 first-class games to his name, with 5 631 runs at an average of 30.93. In 92 List A matches, he has 2 422 runs at an average of 29.18. In T20s, he’s played 73 matches with 1 215 runs at an average of 20.25.
Nabeelah Fakier got to know the 27-year-old a little better in an exclusive interview.
When did you know cricket was going to be your career path?
“I played mini cricket and rugby since the age of 8 years old – I knew I had a love for sport. Whenever I had any type of ball in my hand (I was happy).
“I was offered a bursary at the University of the Free State to study and play cricket or rugby at Shimlas.”
Which players did you look up to when you were younger?
“I looked up to our Captain at the time Graeme Smith, I thought he was very professional and successful, he played his own unique style (of cricket). He also stood up when times were tough. (I also looked up to him) because he’s a left-handed batsman as well.”
What was your first international game that you’ve attended as a fan and do you still remember the game and who was playing?
“It was SA vs Sri Lanka in Kimberly and I got to meet a couple of the players at the Garden Court Hotel which was one of my highlights as a youngster.”
Is it more difficult and is there more pressure on you because you are a wicket-keeper?
“No, in fact, I feel you are in the game every ball and it gives you as a player another option in the team.”
Do you find it harder being a keeper in SA, and have you ever thought of dropping the gloves?
“I won’t say harder, I feel Quinton (De Kock) sets a standard for us and we as keepers try and push to get to that level, coming from me being an opening batsman who is a keeper as well, makes me work harder to compete with one of the best in the world.
“No I haven’t thought of dropping the gloves, it will always be part of my game.”
Cloete played in last year’s edition of the MSL and was in the top 5 run-scorers for the tournament.
It was a major shock to many when you were not selected for the MSL this year, how did you feel about your omission? Has it motivated you to show the world what they’re missing out on?
“To be honest, I was disappointed, I really worked hard for the past 3 years to make my dream of playing for the Proteas consistently come true.
“The fact that I wasn’t selected played on my mind for some time but up and downs will always be there.
“It has definitely motivated me not to show people. But as a cricketer, it is important to prove to yourself first that you good enough which is important for any cricketer’s mental state.”
What would you say is your biggest achievement thus far in your career?
“The biggest achievement for me was obviously to have a taste of international cricket but, as I said before I want to play there consistently.”
Do you think that there are enough opportunities for cricketers in South Africa?
“I’m privileged to have opportunities but I feel there’s room for more players, as we have seen in the Mzanzi Super League – younger players are putting their hands up.”
What are your aspirations for this season, with the Warriors and your goals going forward in your career?
“Aspirations for the remainder of the season as a team is to build on our previous years of success and take away more silverware this season.
“As for me, I look to better every part of my game whether it’s batting, keeping, fielding or fitness, to give myself the best opportunity to pursue my dream.”
Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
