Steyn coached by Donald

Dalpark’s Nathan Steyn is well on his way to realising his dreams of being a top cricketer. The 18-year-old recently signed a contract with Knights and relocated to Bloemfontein.

“It just happened,” said the excited bowler when asked how the deal came about. Rumours were going around that they might sign me.

“We came to Bloem to see how it is and I remember the first time we walked out with my mum. When I drove away from the stadium, I told my mum that feel I belong there. So, I immediately felt like I fit in.”

The youngster is excited to join the set up with legendary fast bowler Alan Donald as the head coach of the franchise.

“He’s a Hall of Famer. Every time he speaks to me, my jaw hits the ground,” said Steyn.

“It gives me goosebumps just thinking about being in his conversation and knowing that he’s around. In the short time that I’ve been here and met him, I’ve learned so much from him.

“His vision and his drive towards the game and his willingness to help the players. That is really great and for me as a youngster to work with someone like that makes me immensely proud.”

While being signed for by the Knights is a big deal for the young bowler, he is under no illusions as he knows he has to work hard to break into the various teams with the colts’ side being the first amongst his list of priorities.

“Being one of the younger guys, you want to learn from everyone and everything. My visions and goals in life are quite simple.

ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni mayor welcomes emergency services’ response to floods in City

“Getting there won’t be simple but everyone works for higher honours and wants to play for their country, but at this stage of my career, I’m just trying to take it to step by step. Try to settle in here and make a name for myself,” he said.

While being successful as a professional cricketer is a major goal for Steyn, the youngster will also study at the University of the Free State.

“My one coach always said to me that it doesn’t matter where you play cricket or what you do, you must always have a degree behind your name,” said Steyn.

The goals for the youngster are clear. He wants to have a successful career in cricket and earn his degree.

“That’s what I want, and that’s what my mother wants,” he said.