Wihan Lubbe chats to Nabeelah Fakier for an exclusive Q&A after being picked up in the Mzansi Super League draft by Durban Heat. 

Lubbe is an all-rounder for the Lions and has just been drafted in for the Durban Heat in the upcoming second edition of the Mzansi Super League, which kicks off in November. 

What has it been like for you, being a professional cricketer in SA? 

Being a professional cricket is a childhood dream of mine so being able to do what I do is an incredible experience, yes there are certain challenges that go with it, but I love what I get to do.

What are your thoughts on missing out on SA A? 

I haven’t given it to much thought if I am honest, I think as players we are realistic and aware that you need to consistently do well for your team and that is the main focus.

Are there any challenges you face being a spinning all-rounder? 

I don’t think more so than the challenges that most cricketers have to deal with no.

How do you balance your attributes of batting and bowling? Do you train harder than others, because you’ve got two different disciplines? 

I think the main thing is that when we train we are trying to train with a purpose as much as possible to ensure that whatever we are doing at training helps us to be ready for whatever comes our way.

With a lot of young talent coming through the system, how difficult is it or do you find it challenging to keep/secure your spot in the Lions setup? 

There is definitely a lot of talented players coming through the Lions system, yes but as a player, you can only control what you are doing and the rest will look after itself.

What are your thoughts and impression of your new head coach?

Coach Wandi was obviously assistant coach last season so I think most of the players already have a good relationship with him and understanding of what he expects of us and that goes a long way. I believe he will do well in his new position.

Last year you came in as a replacement for the Jozi Stars, and you’ve just been drafted in for Durban Heat (Congratulations) for the MSLT20 2.0, how exciting for you, what was your reaction? 

I was over the moon as you can imagine, I think getting picked is a massive opportunity to learn from coaches and senior players alike.

What are you most excited about for the upcoming MSL? 

I think playing under Gary Kirsten to start with is very exciting as I believe we will learn a lot from him and also sharing a changing room with some of the world-class players in the team.

Vincent Barnes has said what he’s enjoyed most about the MSLT20 is the emergence of the younger talent & that it’s a great opportunity, do you agree? since you have played in the tournament last year. 

I agree yes and I think the players that did well already proved that the opportunities are there if you do well. 

Personally, I get to learn from players with a lot of experience and that can only help a young cricketer in his development.

A lot of big-name stalwarts in the MSL – you’ve gotten to share a locker room with the Universe Boss Chris Gayle, what was that like, has he given you any valuable advice or tips?

He has yes, he was only with the stars for a short time while I was there but yes he was easy to speak to about the game and obviously he had a few tips and tricks that I was happy to learn from.

What are your thoughts on your Durban Heat squad, how do you think you’ll go against the other squads, you think the Heat can take it from your former team the Jozi Stars this year? 

I definitely think so yes, I think we have a very well balanced squad and I believe we will do well.

Anyone, in particular, you’re keen on learning from?

Not one player in particular just yet no, I think all the players will have something from past experiences that we can learn from.

What do you think needs to be done to attract more fans to the stadiums? (Our domestic games as well as MSL) there are a lot of faithful who come out to support – but what more do you think should be done to try and fill up, generate bigger crowds? 

I think that some of the names we are attracting should in itself already help with getting a few more people down and once they get down and experience the vibe of MSL they will come back for more naturally.

What are your goals and dreams for the upcoming season with the Lions? 

Personally I just want to consistently contribute to the team this season with both bat and ball.

Photo: Supplied