SPORT: Rookie sparkling for new Pretoria cricket team
Lutho Sipamla was the highest drafted rookie this year and shared that round with some veteran names, including Vernon Philander and Ryan McLaren.
Young fast bowler Lutho Sipamla showed why the Tshwane Spartans signed him in the Mzansi Super League following his solid showing against Paarl Rocks.
In one over, the 20-year-old displayed a match-changing performance where he bowled three Yorkers which eventually removed dangerman Cameron Delport.
With the home team cruising, Sipamla bowled his final over in the 15th over. Delport was on song smashing the ball to all part; however, that changed when Delport was bowled out by the youngster.
“I told AB I was very confident with my yorker and he backed me. Not just yorkers at the stumps, but ‘wide yorkers’ too and I was just grateful it all worked out,” Sipamla said.
“It’s been a great transition coming to the Spartans. They’re all just a good bunch of guys. Everyone’s been so approachable and happy to give their opinion, but also willing to hear what I have to say,” said Sipamla.
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The rookie said being drafted to Pretoria came as a surprise because he only played 16 first-class matches to date.
“I really did not expect it. It’s just a privilege to be a player in this team. “They (Tshwane Spartans) don’t treat me as if I’m a junior, I’m treated like any other player, it’s been really easy for me to communicate with AB and Mark Boucher and vice versa. I’m just happy to feed off the energy from all the players and the coaching staff.”
“I’ve not set myself any specific goals. I just want to take each game as it comes, keep things very simple and enjoy myself.”
His next challenge will be Wednesday’s third match against the Durban Heat at Kingsmead.
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“Like everything else in the tournament, I’m really looking forward to it. I don’t want to put any pressure on myself, just go out there and enjoy it, and hopefully entertain the spectators and put on a good show.”
Sipamla was the highest drafted rookie this year and shared that round with some veteran names, including Vernon Philander (Durban Heat) and Ryan McLaren (NMB Giants).
Born in Port Elizabeth, Sipamla attended the city’s famous Grey High School, alma mater of among others SA cricket legend Graeme Pollock and current Springbok captain Siya Kolisi.
The Spartans will play their first home game against the Jozi Stars this Sunday at the Supersport Park as they look to building on their winning momentum. They are led by Proteas great AB de Villiers.
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