Nathan Engelbrecht reflected on his rural cricket journey after his first-class debut for the Gbets Rocks in the latest round of the Cricket South Africa (CSA) 4-Day Series.
The 2022 CSA Rural Player of the Year and T20 Community Cup Batter of the Tournament made his debut just days before the CSA Rural Coastal Week kicked off on Monday, where he represents hosts, Boland.
“Rural cricket has played a very crucial in my life; It gave me a chance to showcase my talent, ability and skill,” Engelbrecht commented.
“The tournament also gives most club players the opportunity to play at a higher level, with the chance to be selected for the SA Rural side. To the players in the weeks this year, please keep a positive attitude, be yourself and enjoy the game,” he said.
Commenting on his big debut, Engelbrecht said: “It is an honour for me to be selected for the Gbets Rocks and make my first-class debut at the iconic DP World Wanderers. It is something special, something I'll never forget.
“Rocks’ coaches and players helped me a lot with preparation for the game, and to step onto the field with teammates who have acquired a lot of experience in this format made it a bit easy. It's been an unbelievable experience in the Rocks camp and I'm so grateful for the opportunity,” he concluded.
The Rural Coastal Week runs until Thursday, featuring eight teams - Eastern Province (EP) Grahamstown, EP Midlands, Border Aloes, Border Country, Border Villages, Kei, Boland, and Garden Route Badgers.
RURAL COASTAL WEEK SQUADS
Eastern Province (EP) Grahamstown: Duane Brown, Cariston Haarhoff, Richard Brotherton, Morne Khol, Longile Kilani, Sean Biggs, Marquin Loutz, Josh Van Rensburg, Bradley Van Heerden, James Norval, Jurie Norval, Lakhanya Sam, Sihapamla Mlingeka.
EP Midlands: Courtenay Potgieter, Patrick Grootboom, Frederick Grootboom, Denovan Jones, Luciano Arries, Jean-Pierre Phillips, Darius Dejager, Donovan Joubert, Beondry Babers, Chrisjan Lewack, Juandre Draai, Mcdonald Booysen, Benjamin September.
Border Aloes: Athenkosi Magijima, Bongolwethu Makeleni, Snethemba Tshomela, Thobela Mgobozi, Nkosinathi Heshula, Oyintanda Konono, Athule Kotta, Iviwe Tsewu, Mongezi Nabe, Mvuyo Mandlana, Samnkelo Nabe, Masixole Makeleni, Sesethu Mayase.
Border Country: Luxolo Tsewu, Anda Mbolompo, Babalo Langa, Babalo Mbolompo, Imitha Mapuma, Ayabonga Tongo, Likho Vandala, Simcelile Tole, Sibothi Luthando, Zubenathi Kene, Yamnkela Mlungwana, Siwaphi Aqhama , Mnqayi Sanele.
Border Villages: Mbasa Poyana, Asemahle Mbali, Olwakhe Goqoza, Yolisa Mtoba, Loyiso Mzamo, Asakhe Lwana, Msindisi Tyali, Nelson Setiman, Sifiso Mekuto, Thabang Siqoko, Bathandwa Stuurmaan, Camagu Mbangi, Avumile Mnci.
Kei: Mawande Ntshinga, Loyiso Katywa, Shaikh Faiz, Andre Edgar, Larry Santos, Ismail Moynoddin, Aphiwe Bulo, Luyanda Krakra, Qurban Ali, Zimingonaphakade Magwensthu, Victor Masokoswa, Yanga Madula, Ntsika Ngqukumba.
Boland: Nathan Engelbrecht, Gregan Adams, Niel Lochner, Warwick Abrahim, Curtly Deelman, Ernwill Afrika, Devon Smith, Christo Lukas, Marshin Jeftha, Juanrico Vorster, Thandeni Majebe, Riaan Smith, Khaya Miselo.
Garden Route Badgers: Mark John Adrianatos, Leroi Luke Bredenkamp, Bradley Carolus, Darryl Damons, Franco Geldenhuys, Anoxolo Khitshini, Blake Christian Linder, Jermaine Devon Leroy Le Kay, Ricardo Majolla, Ruphino Jacobus Plaatjies, Randy Wesso, Tyrique Wessels, Yamkela Xakani.
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