From lighting up Khaya Majola Week just a year ago to charging down the Newlands strip in Jozi Stars kit dismissing Quinton de Kock, Gerald Coetzee is turning heads whenever he plays the game, writes Khalid Mohidin.
There will be many people out there who are only starting to notice Gerald Coetzee’s talent now, after watching him charging in at Newlands during Jozi Stars’ third defeat of the Mzansi Super League 2.0 against the Cape Town Blitz.
It was music to my ears, listening to respected journalists talk about this young talent and how impressed they were by his raw talent. This is what the Mzansi Super League is all about.
My first experience seeing him, however, was a year ago, when he played for Free State in the Khaya Majola Week. At a tournament like that, you tend to listen to the whispers of others at the various grounds – coaches, parents, friends and players – who all have their say on who the next big star at the competition is.
Gerald Coetzee was a name that spread around no matter what venue I travelled to.
One of the common stories that I heard about this 18-year-old boy (at the time), was that he was recorded bowling at speeds of 150 plus at the High-Performance Centre. But we know how these folk tales spread like wildfire.
So the only way I could judge him was not on hearsay, but on watching him bowl in person.
I did exactly that, and I was instantly impressed – the boy was tall, strong and charged in bowling at an alarming speed.
In fact, when talking to some of the players at the Week, he was one of the most feared bowlers at the tournament.
What gave him that extra edge is that he can bat too, he has the ability to play a decent attacking role and his performances with both bat and ball saw him selected as the SA Schools captain of the 2018/19 tournament as well as U19 captain later on.
Since then, it’s been an amazing ride for the youngster. He made his first-class debut for the Knights and has become a regular in their side.
READ: GERALD COETZEE STARS AS KNIGHTS THUMP WARRIORS
More impressively he was picked up by the defending champions the Jozi Stars for the Mzansi Super League 2.0, making his debut in their third match of the tournament against the Cape Town Blitz.
“It’s been such an unreal experience,” said Coetzee exclusively to Cricket Fanatics Magazine.
“The last few days being with these guys has really been awesome. Watching it last year, while still playing U19 cricket for Free State, and now being with them has truly been amazing.
“There’s so much experience and I’ve learnt from everyone. I’ve learnt from the whole team.
“I can’t believe how quickly it’s all happened for me. It’s all been so unreal. It’s not just me that has to take credit, I have to thank all the fitness trainers, coaches, teammates, family and friends that have helped me. It’s been humbling.”
When asked about the major challenges he has faced so far in senior cricket he answered honestly.
“The awesome thing about being a young cricketer is that I’m still learning my game and it allows me to play with freedom,” he added.
“The toughest challenge would probably be that you get away with much less on the field, you have to do your best to be on the money from the first moment.”
He was on the money alright. On his debut in the Mzansi Super League 2.0, he took 2-42.
He produced what he described as an “unreal” moment– an astonishing 146.9 km/h delivery to dismiss Quinton de Kock who was well settled on 41 and beaten by pace, feathering a delivery to Ryan Rickleton behind the stumps.
One thing that’s for sure, is that this is just the start of this young man’s journey.
We all hope that we see him selected in more games this tournament.
Photo: Shaun Roy/BackpagePix
