Nabeelah Fakier caught up with former Proteas all-rounder Stiaan van Zyl about his move to England and some of the highlights in his career.
Stiaan van Zyl is a Capetonian-born former Cape Cobras and former Proteas all-rounder who currently plays in England for Sussex County Cricket Club.
Van Zyl became the 100th player to score a century on Test debut, his 101 coming against the West Indies in 2014.
He signed a Kolpak deal with Sussex in 2016, ending his national career after 12 Tests, with his last Test coming in August 2016 against New Zealand.
Last year he notched up a double century for the Cobras against the Lions at Boland Park powering them to 574/8, a magnificent 228 off 287 balls.
I caught up with Van Zyl to find out what he has been up to.
What has it been like playing in the County Championship and for Sussex?
“Its been a great couple of years playing for Sussex and in England. The standard of cricket is very high and you need to adapt quickly to the conditions, otherwise, it’s going to be a tough place to bat.”
What advice do you have for cricketers who would like to play County Cricket?
“If you have the opportunity to play county cricket, it’s a no brainer, to be honest.”
Van Zyl’s Sussex teammates include England fast bowler Jofra Archer and fellow South African David Wiese, who recently starred in the MSL for the Tshwane Spartans.
Since Brexit came to light, there has been lots of talk and speculation about how it could potentially affect cricket players who are under Kolpak contracts.
What is your opinion on Brexit and the effect it may have on Kolpak players?
“I’m not too sure about the whole Brexit thing, our Kolpak players have heard a lot of different stories – but hopefully there will still be a way for us to continue playing in England as a Kolpak player.”
What has been your favourite, most memorable moment in your career?
“Definitely scoring a century on debut for SA and scoring 173 against Middlesex at Lords for Sussex.”
Which cricketers did you look up to when you were younger?
“Matthew Hayden and Kumar Sangakkara.”
If you weren’t a cricket player, what would you be? And what will you do after cricket?
“I wanted to be a pilot, but cricket happened for me straight after school. I am considering going into umpiring after my career – I want to stay in the game, so I think that could be something for me.”
He has umpired a couple of games last year for WPCA in the 2018/2019 cricket season.
What’s your favourite ground to play on?
“Newlands.”
Do you think SA has enough opportunities for cricketers?
“With the system, we have in place now, NO. I’ve been hearing that there is going to be more franchises in SA and I really hope that does happen. We really need it and as a Kolpak player it will be great to be allowed to play in SA again.”
