“I never left the Warriors in bad spirit”

Former Warriors, now Imperial Lions fast bowler, Sisanda Magala, insists his move is growth-driven, writes Ongama Gcwabe.

Sisanda Magala has been a household name in Eastern Province cricket and South African domestic cricket for a number of seasons.

When he broke into the semi-pro and the franchise scene he was known for both his raw pace and hard hitting ability.

His partnership with now Proteas contracted Anrich Nortje, was always something beautiful to watch as a spectator but not so much as an opposition batsman.

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When talking about their former EP teammate, Sthembiso Ndwandwa says:

“You would never take the ball out his (Magala) hand as long as Ana (Anrich) was still bowling at the other end.”

Through maturity, Magala has recently been more successful in the shorter formats of the game which is a trend most fast bowlers go through as their careers unfold.

After 82 first-class games the 29-year-old has 230 wickets to his name, while he has 126 wickets in his List A career.

“I never left the Warriors in bad spirit”, says Magala Exclusively to Cricket Fanatics Magazine. “But more for a change.

“I’ve never played in the highveld and it was something I’ve always wanted to do, I’ve asked guys like Basheer Walters about his time in the highveld and he absolutely enjoyed it, so that made my decison a lot easier coming from a friend who played there.”

Magala is an experienced campaigner and any team relishes having a calm head out in the middle.

“I would say experience”, said Magala about what he aims to bring to the Lions team. “But the Lions squad already have experienced guys in there.

“I definitely love attack-minded cricket and I’ll bring the experimental side of things. I’m not afraid to try new things and being away from home, I’ll definitely be outside my comfort zone on and off the field.”

Lions coach, Wandile Gwavu, started his coaching career in the Eastern Cape, so he knows what Magala will bring to his side, and so does he.

“The first time I met Ta Wakes (Wandile Gwavu) was when I was in the EP academy”, said Magala. “He is definitely one who doesn’t shy away from the truth, he calls a spade a spade.

“He has a good sense of humor and is always looking to push his players to perform better.”

The Lions have acquired a number of big names in South African cricket, Magala is amongst those names.