Sibonelo Makhanya was born and bred in the KZN province but his cricketing ability seems to always attract interest from the Western Cape, especially in the Mzansi Super League, writes Nasri Alexander.
After spending the inaugural season of the tournament calling Newlands his home with the Cape Town Blitz, Makhanya was drafted by the Paarl Rocks for this season’s T20 extravaganza.
The 23-year-old Dolphins all-rounder has joined a squad brimming with international quality that includes Proteas captain Faf du Plessis, JP Duminy and Tabraiz Shamsi.
The fact that he is again back plying his trade in the Western Cape is not lost on Makhanya, who said he is looking forward to showing his skills in front of the loyal and passionate Paarl faithful.
It is no secret that the fans at Boland Park lit up the first edition of the Mzansi Super League with packed crowds streaming through the turnstiles for every match.
Makhanya told Cricket Fanatics Magazine: “I think God is trying to send me a sign about the Western Cape.
“But it is good to be back on this side of the country.
“Last year when I played against the Paarl Rocks I found the support and their fans to be quite amazing.
“I am just looking forward to experiencing that and being on their side of the fence and just looking forward to the atmosphere in Paarl.
“The fans and the support structures are unbelievable so I just want to get on the park and feel what the vibe is like to play for the Paarl people.”
For those who don’t know, Makhanya is big mates – or as he says more like a twin brother – with Proteas allrounder Andile Phehlukwayo.
The two were in the same squad at the Blitz last year but Phehlukwayo was this season selected as a Proteas Marquee player for the Durban Heat.
Makhanya is looking forward to pitting his wits against his close friend, who he looks up to as an inspiration.
“I am looking forward to playing against Andile. I haven’t played against him in a long time, it has been many years of us playing together,” Makhanya said.
“We have been together since we were 13 years old and I don’t think we have ever left each other’s side since.
“The only time I don’t get to see him is when he is away on international duty but is just amazing to see how Andile has grown.
“You can see that success is not too far away from you when people around you are progressing.
“He has always been a fantastic player and to see him go up the ranks gives you confidence that you can do the same thing.”
The Paarl Rocks get their 2019 MSL campaign underway in the Cape derby against the Cape Town Blitz at Boland Park on Sunday.
Photo: Supplied
