Captaincy is a mantle that newly acquired North West Dragons all-rounder and top-order batsman, Wihan Lubbe, has carried with him to great effect in his cricketing career.
Given his success as captain, it is not surprising that Lubbe was given the responsibility of captaining the North West Dragons one day and four-day sides for the upcoming 23/24 season. Sen Muthusamy will captain the Dragons in the T20-format.
Lubbe has lead from the front in various teams, most notably for Potchefstroomers, taking the NWU to Varsity Cricket glory in 2017 in front of their home fans.
Leading a professional cricket team at the highest level in division 1 is a different beast, but with the Dragons logo on his chest, one gets the feeling that a deep fire burns within Lubbe to take the Dragons to the next level this season.
“It’s great to be back at the Dragons and I feel this was the right time to make the move (from the Warriors). I had a good three years, with ups and downs at the Warriors and I’ve definitely learned a lot of lessons along the way and my game has definitely grown. It is exciting to work with coaches Craig (Alexander) and Neil (Levenson) and build towards our value system and the results on the field that we want to achieve,” states Lubbe.
He believes that captaincy is only a label and that it takes a true team effort to bring the best out of the side. This top-order batsman bases his captaincy on building relationships and earning trust amongst his team-mates and the coaching group as a whole.
“On the field, it is my responsibility to make the final decision, but captaincy is also about creating a culture where the players in your team will give everything for the sake of the team. I believe that if you care and build relationships with your team-mates then it makes the job that much easier,” he added.
Lubbe made his first-class debut for the Dragons in list A cricket in 2012 and first class cricket in 2013 as a fresh faced 20-year-old. Back then, NW Dragons legend, Brett Pelser, was the captain and the Dragons were still playing semi-professional cricket.
“I really looked up to Brett and his captaincy philosophy. It made me feel part of the team from the start. I also enjoyed playing under Nicky (van den Bergh) and a couple of other captains and I’ve learned a lot from their styles as well.”
A decade later and Lubbe is now the leader in a division 1 squad filled with exciting talent and “fighters with a chip on their shoulder with a point to prove,” as he expresses.
“I believe we have a squad that can battle for top honours and trophies in the next couple of seasons. I’ve spent a lot of time already with some of the guys that I’ve played with and against previously and it’s been really good. We still have to do our pre-season camp so I’m looking forward to it,” he added, fresh from a training session in the nets.
On a personal level he exclaims that he wants to contribute with bat, ball and in the field.
“Obviously making runs is an important part of my position as captain, but I would also like to play a large role with my off-spinners as I can turn the ball away from the left-handers. It adds another dimension to the team. I want to contribute especially in the big situations and when the going gets tough.”
“Basically, if we play as a team I believe that you get that extra five per cent you need to turn a game in your favour. This is especially the case in 4-day cricket where you have to fight and show character,” mentioned Lubbe.
It is a refreshing sight to see Lubbe back in the maroon and grey of the Dragons standing on the field where some of his most precious memories were made.
“Winning the 4-day competition with the Lions and winning the Varsity Cricket tournament was special, but what stands out for me is seeing my dad, family and friends coming to the game and creating that family atmosphere. It will be great to experience that type of home support again,” he exclaims.
Lubbe is a quintessential home-grown captain, a leader on and off the pitch and a cricketer hungry for success – what is not to love?
