Ongama Gcwabe interviewed Warriors bowler Glenton Stuurman in an exclusive Q&A.
The 4-Day Franchise Competition kicks-off on 7 October 2019 and we all can’t wait for things to get going.
As we are building up towards the start of this competition, one of the promising fast- bowlers in the country, had a chat about his journey from SWD to the Warriors.
Here’s a full Q&A with Glenton:
Why did you pursue professional cricket as a career?
“For me, cricket is not just a game it’s a passion. I fell in love with this from a very young age. I come from a very sport-active family and I always knew that it was either going to be rugby or cricket for me. Today I don’t regret the decision I made.”
You had a fantastic 2018/19 season with the Eastern Province Senior provincial team, what keeps you going/motivated to put in such performances?
“After having to make a huge call last year to move my cricket to Eastern Province and to leave my family alone in Oudtshoorn I had to come here and prove myself, and that alone motivated me to always give it my all and work even harder. Coming from a small town I also have a lot of people who support me, so I really want to represent them well. I also have a 5-year-old daughter that is my world and want to make her proud and be able to give her the best life I possibly can.”
You won the 3-Day Cricketer of the Season for the 2018/19 season, what does that award mean for you and how much of a motivation is it to you going into the 2019/20 season?
“That award means a lot to me because as a player it’s always nice to get rewarded after all the hard work and a tough season. Most importantly I have to thank my teammates for all the support on and off the field and if it wasn’t for them that wouldn’t be possible. I have a very good support system as well which helps a lot. For me personally, it is a good boost going into the season but it is important for me to remain humble, start over and keep believing in the processes.”
The next step is Franchise cricket with the Warriors, how do you plan to approach this coming season? Especially the 4-Day competition.
“I’m going approach the season as a very important season for me to achieve higher honours. For me, it’s important to be ready for everything this beautiful game throws at you.”
Who do you look up to? Which cricketer(s) would you say has been an inspiration in your career?
“There are a lot of people who inspire me. I had the privilege to work with former Cobras and Warriors player Gurswin Rabie when I made my first-class debut at South Western District, he really helped me a lot with my bowling and some credit must go to him. I do see myself as Vernon Philander type of player but still, I want to make my own legacy. I just love how he goes about his business. I also look up to my mom and dad for their hard work, etiquette and how they had to sacrifice to give me and my two brothers a good life.”
What do you get up to in your free time to take your mind away from the game?
“I’m a very outgoing, adventurous type of guy so I enjoy playing golf in my off days and hang out with friends and family whether it’s just sitting by a fire or going to the fun activities – like bowling, pool etc.”
After 38 first-class games, you have an impressive bowling average of 20.81, with 154 wickets in your name. Would you perhaps say that the longest format of the game is one that you enjoy the most and why?
“I like all formats of the game but if I have to choose between a Test baggy and a one-day cap I would definitely pick the baggy. I love Test cricket because it puts players through a toiling battle, it tests you mentally, it tests your talent, technique, attitude and your fighting spirit. What I love the most about Test cricket is that there is no easy way out.”
With bowling partners like Lutho Sipamla, Sisanda Magala, Anrich Nortje, does that get you pumped up, even more, to share the ball with them in the 4-Day competition this season?
“I’m very excited to be bowling partners with them because we all bring something different to the game. The way I see it is that they will bring the pace and I’ll be able to run in and bowl a consistent area and use my skill like I’ve have been doing at an amateur level.”
Lastly, your goals for the coming season?
“My goal for the season, I just want to try and be a regular face in the Warriors team and for me to be able to do that I have to be consistent for either the Warriors or for when I play for Eastern Province. This season I definitely want to play all formats. Having played 4-Day games and only three One-Day games for the Warriors last season, this season I want to show that I can play white-ball cricket as well, but I know there is still a lot a work to do on my white-ball game.”
Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
