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The pathway to Namibian Cricket

Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2021 2:48 pm
by sloandog
Been watching and following Namibian Cricket for around 8 or 9 years now and i've never seen a stronger side on the pitch. They have depth with the ball, which hasn't always been the case. They always had one quality quick; either Viljeon or Klazinga, and that was it. They have a young side filled with some very exciting players. Lofti-Eaton looks like an impressive leg spinner, Van Lingen is a good looking batter and hit 85mph with the ball. JJ Smit has really come into his own this tournament and he's rightly getting the recognition he deserves. Baard is a class act up front and I love the fact that Ben Shikongo is in there; he's going to be sharp.

The man who I'm really interested in is Rubern Trumpelman. Wow. Left arm fast, hitting 89mph against Scotland and swing the ball late. What a find. However, I thought he was a genuine product of the Namibian Cricket system when in actual fact he's been playing for Northens in the CSA system. He's jumped ship and has made a real name for himself on the national stage. People are talking about him, interviewing him, making special pieces about him before the game etc....he's been given exposure by playing for Namibia.

My question here is this. Do you think this might be a water shed moment for a lot of guys in the South African system? I know for a fact 5 guys in the provincial set up who could represent Namibia who have some serious pace and can bat. I've spoken to one of them and he's said he's now seriously considering his options.

Could it happen for Zimbabwe?

Re: The pathway to Namibian Cricket

Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2021 3:14 pm
by TapsC2
I think it will all depend if they can keep their SA domestic contracts. I doubt Namibia can afford them. For us I think it will depend on if you will be considered a foreign player because we are a full member. Probably affects your work permit unless you are a dual citizen

I really hope 1 day the ICC changes the domestic structure rules for full members. I honestly think a Super Rugby style format for SA, Zim and Namibia would develop the region's game and spark some public interest. We would only need to send maybe 3 domestic teams and Namibia 1. The rest could be South African. The local stuff here would then be semi-professional club cricket

Re: The pathway to Namibian Cricket

Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2021 3:32 pm
by sloandog
I mean the lower ranked professional players in the SA domestic circuit. The guys who aren't playing franchise level and who aren't on the big contracts. There's a young quick bowler called Jan Van Rikos who is considering a move to Namibia because he can't get a gig with the quota system. There's a handful I know alone in that bracket. A bloke called Thomas Klook who is a serious batter is doing the same.