Spinner Gregory Mahlokwana is eager to make his mark after graduating to the senior Titans team.
”I watched franchise games from a young age, and seeing guys I played within the Northerns age-group teams playing the highest level really motivated me,” said Mahlokwana.
He did take a slight detour, with a stint in the Eastern Cape taking him away from the Titans for a period.
“I had an opportunity to further my studies through the University of Fort Hare in Alice. When I came back from Fort Hare, the guys really motivated me and told me I have what it takes and could go far in cricket.”
He soon started getting attention in wider circles, especially when he made a splash in the Africa Cup in 2017.
“I have already made some really awesome memories in the game. Taking 4/22 against Northern Cape, and then playing in the Africa Cup, when I bowled left and right-arm for the first time on television.”
The sight of a bowler switching from off-spin to left-arm orthodox was rare indeed, but it was more than just a party trick. Mahlokwana is equally adept at bowling and affecting matches with both disciplines, and the Titans soon noticed.
When he went on a pre-season trip to Abu Dhabi a few seasons ago, he got to showcase his ability on an even bigger stage.
”I remember Albie Morkel came to me and said, ‘Greg, I’m about to make you famous by letting you bowl left and right,'” he recalls.
”We were playing against Auckland, and it was my Titans T20 debut. That is a really proud moment for me.”
De Zorzi said he is ready to live up to high expectations.
”I’m honoured and privileged to be joining the Titans officially,” he said. “It was a bit of a shock, actually. I thought I might not get a contract because I was injured towards the end of the season, but it shows that the hard work I’ve been putting in over the past few years has finally paid off.”
Naturally, he wants to try and help the Titans to win major titles and add to their trophy cabinet.
“I’m really looking forward to playing with Henry Davids – Mr Experience! I can’t wait to pull as much information as I can from him.
“Jokes aside, he is one of the guys that welcomed me with the warmest hands in 2017, when I started working with the franchise squad.”
In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo
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