“I need to lead from the front and show the youngsters what it takes to play for your national side”, says Quinton de Kock.
At the Cape Town Blitz media launch on Monday 4 November, Quinton de Kock was named as the man to lead the side during the second edition of the Mzansi Super League.
He captained the Proteas in the T20I’s in India and has been tipped as one of the forerunners to lead the country in the future.
De Kock explained his philosophy and approach to captaincy.
“I would try and implement what I was thinking with the South African team,” De Kock said exclusively to Cricket Fanatics Magazine.
“I think it’s important for me if I had to lead to show the youngsters that it’s not just an easy ride, to score a couple of runs. It’s a process.
“There’s the international experience of Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone, I’m sure the youngsters will pick their minds as well.
“But from a South African leadership point of view, I think I play quite a big role here in showing what it means to be a Protea and what it’s going to take to be there.”
With greats like Hashim Amla, JP Duminy and Dale Steyn retiring and possibly more retirements looming, the Mzansi Super League is a great opportunity for youngsters to showcase their talent and what they’re capable of.
“I think being a full-time Proteas player playing all three formats, it’s very difficult to come and play franchise cricket but when we do get this sort of opportunity like the Mzansi Super League, we need to try,” added De Kock.
“Even though it’s very difficult for us, we need to try and make the best out of it.”
At last season’s Mzansi Super League, the Cape Town Blitz were the front runners from the get-go.
Unfortunately, they ended the tournament as runners up to the Jozi Stars.
They do, however, deserve full marks for an impressive campaign and their youngsters putting their hands up.
WATCH: Quinton de Kock on captaincy, Cape Town Blitz and Proteas in India
De Kock explained how he will try and influence the side on their hunt for the title.
“I think by being myself, try and score the maximum amount of runs that I can,” said De Kock when asked how he will influence the side.
“[I will do] Just the usual stuff that a leader should do when playing this sort of tournament.
“In this team that we have, we’ve actually got a lot of experienced players mixed with the youngsters. We have Dale [Steyn], Mo [Ali] and Wahab [Riaz] will come back.
“Guys who have played a lot of cricket and they’ll also help me to improve the team from a playing point of view, I’m sure we’ll do very well.”
Quinton de Kock also urged the #BlitzBrigade to come out in their numbers and support the CT Blitz at all their games at the picturesque PPC Newlands.
Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
