What is Western Province and Western Province Cricket Club player, Ryan Klein, like off the field? Nabeelah Fakier finds out in this exclusive Q&A.
If you weren’t a cricket player, what would you be?
A pilot, ever since I was a little boy I’ve loved the movie Top Gun.
Who do you usually support in the IPL?
Royal Challengers Bangalore.
If you were stuck on a deserted island, and you only had 3 things with you, what would it be?
My phone, a speaker and some whiskey.
Who’s your favourite cricket player & why?
Pat Cummins. Ever since he came onto the International scene I’ve been following him. He has a top work ethic and carries himself well on and off the cricket field.
I’m very envious of the pace he bowls at, it would be lovely if he could just pass on a few km/h to me! He is a bowler that can hold the bat and that’s how I see my role within a team which is also why he’s my favourite.
What are you currently watching on Netflix?
How to get away with murder.
What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy attempting to play golf, cycling along the beachfront and playing Xbox.
Coffee, tea or alcohol?
Depends largely on the situation but I’d have to go coffee.
If you could be a TV character for a day, who would you be and why?
The movie character I’d have to choose is Iron Man because he has the best of both worlds. He has the intelligence, has absolutely no worries financially and has the ability to save the world.
If WP played against the Cobras, who do you think would win and by how much?
I think that the WP Men would put up a good fight but the Cobras will come out the winning side. I’d have to go with a margin of 50 Runs or 4 wickets.
What is your dream ground to play on?
The Adelaide Oval under lights with a pink ball.
Which other sport do you enjoy watching & which team do you support?
Football, Manchester United.
Who’s your favourite gaming character?
I don’t really play many other games besides sports games but my favourite growing up was Mario from Mario Kart.
What’s your favourite game to play and why?
I’d have to go with FIFA but Fortnite is a close second. I’m a keen football fan and lots of my mates play it as well.
What was the experience like being part of Hashim’s Army?
It was a lovely day out at Newlands watching the boys take on the Poms! It’s always good to be supporting the Proteas with a couple of cold ones and great company.
Who were some of the toughest players you’ve faced that are now in the franchise scene?
At a schoolboy level, I was fortunate enough to play with the likes of Zubayr Hamza and Kyle Verreynne who are crucial for the Cobras and they have both deserved their Proteas debuts. Another one is Dayyaan Galiem who has made the move up north to the Titans and is putting in strong performances.
Are you studying?
I finished off my degree at the end of 2019 and obtained a BCOM in Finance and Accounting.
What has been your favourite date you’ve been on with your girlfriend?
We took a trip out to Franschoek to explore some wine farms and spent the evening on a farm in the Franschoek Valley.
What are some of your guilty pleasures?
Binge watching series, playing Fortnite and sleeping late.
What’s your pet peeve?
When someone is pouring me a glass of something to drink and the glass isn’t full.
What would you say are the Top 3 spots in Melkbosstrand?
1) The beachfront, it’s a lovely place to walk and watch the sunset.
2) Cafe Orca, it’s a seafood restaurant that is top quality.
3) Atlantic Beach Golf Course, it’s a challenge to play on the best of days but it’s tough to beat a day out on the course.
