Allan Donald Eagerly Anticipates Young Pacers Bosch, Yusuf & Maphaka in SA20

Mumbai, Dec 23 (NationPress) The SA20 domestic T20 league is progressively reshaping the cricketing terrain in South Africa, and the upcoming Season 3 is set to showcase the talents of several promising players. South African fast bowling icon Allan Donald is particularly focused on the performance of three emerging pacers: Eathen Bosch, Codi Yusuf, and Kwena Maphaka in this season.

The 18-year-old Kwena Maphaka has made his international debut in Test and ODI formats this year and has been signed by Rajasthan Royals for the forthcoming IPL season. Meanwhile, Bosch has recently earned a spot in the national team, marking him as an exciting prospect for the future.

When discussing the young fast bowlers he is eager to see in SA20 Season 3, Donald remarked, "There are about three bowlers—South African bowlers—that I'm really looking forward to seeing, and those three guys are Eathen Bosch, who's playing for the Pretoria Capitals, and Codi Yusuf, who's playing for Paarl Royals, and young Kwena Maphaka."

"Those three young South Africans—Bosch, probably the more experienced—he's been around for a while. I'm really pleased for him that he's finally received a South African call-up. He's been on the fringes and struggled to break through due to others excelling in their performances.

"For me, those three guys—especially Bosch, but young Kwena Maphaka, an 18-year-old—you know, the entire community of Paarl is buzzing with excitement about him. There’s immense anticipation regarding his participation in this team. I believe we will witness a lot from him this year. Kwena Maphaka is such a talent; he is exceptionally gifted, you know.

"He will experience both good and bad days, but he possesses a remarkably calm demeanor and remains unphased by setbacks. He consistently aims to stay in the fight. I believe he will be a standout performer this coming January. I can’t wait to see him thrive," Donald expressed.

Reflecting on how SA20 has transformed the dynamics of cricket in South Africa, SA20 Ambassador and fast bowling legend Allan Donald stated, "As I observed this unfold as a spectator, I remember sitting at Boland Park, where I reside in Paarl, and witnessing the crowd's enthusiasm. A few games into SA20, I was astounded by the global interest and viewership statistics, which were incredible—this is what people want to see.

"The global audience is keenly observing. You have the Big Bash and the IPL, which are massive entities on their own. SA20 holds the potential to surpass the Big Bash given its shorter duration. The Australian crowds are substantial, but this tournament holds great significance for cricket in South Africa and on a domestic level.

"Since I left a few weeks ago, there hasn’t been any domestic cricket until next year. Many players are envious of those participating elsewhere. However, the learning experience for players not involved in SA20 will be immense because they aspire to become the next Kwena Maphaka, Rassie van der Dussen, or Reeza Hendricks.

"The interest is palpable—I mean, the television viewership has surged over the years… Ticket sales have skyrocketed, young talents are ready to step up, and merchandise is flying off the shelves—it’s enormous," Donald elaborated.

Donald also addressed the injuries encountered by fast bowlers due to high-level competition across national teams, ODIs, domestic first-class cricket, and various global T20 leagues.

"Injuries to players like Anrich Nortje, a marquee bowler, and a few others are unfortunate. It's not ideal. What the world wishes to see—what young fans globally are eager to witness—is a bowler hitting 155 km/h and creating excitement. Unfortunately, this is the harsh reality of modern cricket," asserted Donald.

"I often mention that I played only two T20 matches throughout my career, right at the end. What these players are experiencing now across all leagues—it’s not surprising that many might miss a league here, a tournament there, or even games for their country. It's a continuous cycle that is challenging to halt. The stress on their bodies is significant. However, it opens a door for someone else to make their mark. So, that is what we want to witness," he added.

When asked about which captain has impressed him the most in SA20, Donald singled out Keshav Maharaj, captain of the Durban Super Giants, as one to keep an eye on.

"There are some excellent captains around, aren't there? I'm going to be biased and highlight my captain at DSG and our left-arm spinner. I think he’s a remarkable individual. I’ve been following his journey, and Keshav Maharaj has been outstanding, quietly going about his business," Donald commented.

He noted that the partnership between Keshav Maharaj and coach Lance Klusener will be closely observed.

"I’ve also had a few phone conversations with him, and his passion is incredible—not only for his domestic team but also for South Africa. When it comes to DSG, the players seem to connect well with him. Working alongside Lance Klusener, two hometown boys, they get along exceptionally well and have a strong mutual understanding. From my discussions with some team members, it’s clear that Keshav Maharaj has a good thing going with Lance Klusener.

"There are so many great captains and fantastic players in the tournament. I am thrilled to be part of it this year and hopefully for many more to come. I feel like a kid in a candy store. It’s wonderful to be involved in such a major tournament in my home country that has achieved remarkable success over the first two years. I am genuinely excited about it," said Donald, who concluded his Test career with 330 wickets in 72 matches and 272 wickets in 164 ODIs.

Post-retirement, Donald has taken on roles as a bowling coach and consultant for the England team, County Cricket Clubs Warwickshire and Kent, as well as domestic teams in Zimbabwe, South Africa, and the national teams of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

In the IPL, he served as the bowling coach for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2011, and as both the bowling and head coach for Pune Warriors India in 2012 and 2013, respectively.