“I’m constantly learning my craft and trying to become better"

Hard-working, dedicated and humble are just a few of the many words that can be used to describe Zubayr Hamza, as he aims to travel his own unique cricketing journey, writes Nabeelah Fakier.

It hasn’t been an easy road for Rondebosch Boys’ High School alumni Zubayr Hamza. He’s had to carry pressure from the start of his career and fight hard to pave his own journey. Some of the pressure included fans dubbing him as the next Hashim Amla.

Amla will always be remembered as a South African legend, and Zubayr Hamza will be the first one to acknowledge that, and although flattered by the comparison, wants to be remembered as his own person on his own unique journey.

To give a brief overview, Hamza has represented UWC Cricket Club, Western Province, WSB Cobras and made his debut for the Proteas, having earned every accolade to his name.

He became South Africa’s 100th capped player since readmission in the series against Pakistan on 11 January 2019.

This was followed by the England series where he felt he did not perform well enough and was dropped for the final Test at the Wanderers.

“Playing Test cricket was a dream come true. The team and staff were welcoming, accommodating and approachable,” he said exclusively to Cricket Fanatics Magazine.

“It was tough having not performed as well as I would have liked to but it was a positive experience nonetheless. Test cricket demands more of players in all aspects of the game and you’ve constantly got to adapt.

“I’ve learnt to focus on my strengths, continuously persevere to put in good performances and to stay true to myself and my style of batting.

“Growing up I enjoyed watching a very successful South African team.

“I appreciated different characteristics that players brought to the game, such as Hashim Amla’s humility, Jacques Kallis’ mental ability, Virat Kohli’s passion and the classiness of Michael Clarke.”

To be great and consistent in what you do, it helps to have people in your life to motivate and support you.

It’s no different for players. Having great influencers and a good support system can be an important element to your game.

“My family, friends and every coach along the way up to this moment in time, has been my major influencers.

“Ashwell and Faiek have helped the Cobras batters a tremendous amount over the past few seasons, of which we’ve individually reaped the rewards.”

Whilst the Cobras haven’t had the ideal MODC tournament, finishing last on the log, Hamza stepped up as captain and captaincy certainly suited him.

He finished second for the most runs scored in the Cup, with 582 in 10 innings.

“The opportunity to captain my home franchise has been an honour and a privilege,” he added.

“It comes with more responsibility and challenges, which I’ve enjoyed thus far. We had a tough season, unfortunately, but there have been plenty of lessons learnt.”

The right-handed batsman started his first-class career at Western Province and wasted no time battling his way into the Cobras side and becoming a key player in the 4-Day Franchise side.

Now it’s time for him to become a more recognized player in the shorter formats.

“By putting in consistent performances and stacking up the numbers, is how I will get recognized,” he said.

“I’m constantly learning my craft and trying to become better at understanding how to play different scenarios and formats.”

Every sportsman has standout moments in their career or moments which define their career, for Hamza his standout moment has been the opportunity to play for South Africa.

“A standout moment has been representing my country,” he said emphatically.

“I would say I’ve had a few career-defining moments every time I’ve been dropped. I’ve been dropped from both the Western Province and Cape Cobras sides in the past and I’ve used those experiences to find a way to perform at those levels.

“I admire the plenty other cricketers who have experienced this and gone on to be successful at whatever level they desired to end up playing.

“Hopefully, fingers crossed, I can find a way to do the same on the International stage if the opportunity arises again.”

With the Covid19 epidemic shutting everything down, the domestic scene had us all dropping our jaws a tad bit for the lists of Franchise transfers, keeping the fanatic hearts pumping through this sport-less time with some exciting and surprising movement.

The Cobras added quite a few names to their repertoire with the likes of Tony de Zorzi, Corbin Bosch, Calvin Savage and Imraan Manack to name a few.

“There have been plenty transfers between franchises and every player has their reasons for moving,” said Hamza.

“With regards to the Cape Cobras, a few of our players have moved domestically and abroad, along with Rory who has retired.

“I believe we’ve signed not just players of high quality, but the right players to create a balanced, all-format squad in order to compete over various competitions next season.”

When asked about how the epidemic, he explained how he believes it has affected them.

“I don’t think it affects the players much as the season was nearly done and the teams who won the competitions were long leaders at that current stage in the competition after playing almost all the games, so I believe it’s fair that they won the respective tournaments,” he said.

“The local club cricket T20 tournament (CPL) being postponed would be frustrating for the players involved as it’s a nice tournament to play in.

“At the end of the day it’s a serious matter and we all have to do our part as citizens of this country.

“[During this Period] Find a way to maintain your fitness levels, be creative and consistent. Not everyone, myself included, has home gyms so finding a way to use what’s around the house to workout is important.”

Lastly, he left advice for young cricketers who have dreams of being able to play franchise cricket and even the Proteas.

“Be true to yourself, stay grounded and always believe in yourself. The game will always pose various challenges, perseverance and honesty will help get you through it. Do your best to enjoy the game at all times, you have to play because you enjoy the game.”