Jason Niemand gives a honest view of South African cricket and his future in this exclusive Q&A with Nabeelah Fakier.
Which cricket player/s have you looked up to when you were younger? Or still, look up to?
“Jacques Kallis. As I got a bit older, Michael Clarke – the way he captained Australia. Virat Kohli at the moment, because he promotes his cricket and he’s just a class batsman.”
Do you feel as though there’s more pressure on you being an all-rounder?
“I would say no, I feel it’s more of an opportunity because I’m able to contribute by taking wickets and scoring runs with the bat so I feel there’s more of an opportunity.”
Do you have any hobbies or other sports that you enjoy playing?
“I enjoy watching drag racing. Down at the racetracks, sometimes I travel to PE to watch. So I enjoy doing that in my spare time.”
What do you think of the Proteas series in India? Where do you think they should improve, with batting, bowling or even who they should select for Tests?
“I think the strongest squad of who’s available was selected. Obviously not having someone like Simon Harmer who’s dominating in England – Him not being available has really put us back, the way Dane Piedt has bowled, I don’t know, it’s quite a tough one.
“It’s quite disappointing that a lot of the players go over to the spin camps and it seems as if we don’t get value out of it. It’s quite frustrating to watch, but it just shows how good India are in their home conditions.
“Many teams have gone there even with experienced players and got hidings, so I don’t think it’s too serious because it’s really hard to beat India in India. Quite a tough initiation for all those youngsters.”
Do you think there are enough opportunities for young cricketers in South Africa?
“That’s a tough one with all the talk of the change to 12 teams and everything. I don’t know if I have enough information to comment, but I think being a young cricketer in South Africa playing semi-pro cricket is a good opportunity, where I think a lot of youngsters won’t get that opportunity if there wasn’t semi-pro cricket. My overall answer would be no, I do not think there are enough opportunities.
“The sad thing is the board isn’t doing much to retain all the players which essentially I feel we learn a lot from playing with people who have played international cricket. To see them out of the game so quickly, not have them at spin camps, not have ex-players like Jacques Kallis and Hashim Amla go to the spin camps with the players, or go to the high-performance centre and work with the young cricketers, that’s quite sad.”
What are your goals going forward, for yourself, Border and your aspirations Franchise-cricket wise?
“I’m looking to take it game at a time. Last year I struggled with the captaincy & put a lot of pressure on myself so this season is just about trying to learn as much as I can in a short period of time.
“I think last year I took a long time to learn. And I think having a few experienced players back at the Border side, Aya Gqamane and Phaphama Fojela – it’s people that I’m trying to learn from.
“Aspirations for the next year – really have a good season for Border and if I get an opportunity at the Warriors in this season obviously try and take it and take that experience moving into next year.
“There’s a bit of uncertainty about what is going to happen, but hopefully I get the opportunity for the Warriors, hopefully, I get a franchise opportunity next year and if it’s gonna change, obviously do well to set myself up for next year.”
Because it’s the rugby World Cup, I’ll throw this one in here, who do you think it will be in final?
“I have South Africa and New Zealand because I want a Southern Hemisphere final and I want South Africa to win.”
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