Johannesburg - They build them tough out on the East Rand. Of course there are roses among the thorns, like Hollywood star and Oscar winner Charlize Theron, and top model and “FHM’s Sexiest Woman in the World 2012” Genevieve Morton, but the best fit with Benoni is arguably its boxing hero, Brian Mitchell.
Mitchell was not majorly talented, but was extremely fit, committed and dedicated, which almost always allowed him to rise to the top even when faced with a quicker, bigger or stronger opponents.
Benoni’s latest sports star, young Proteas wicket-keeper-batsman Quinton de Kock, could learn a few lessons from the boxing legend.
De Kock, who will make his debut for his new province Easterns against Western Province in the Africa T20 Cup opener at Willowmoore Park tonight, has an abundance of skill. The 22-year-old makes most things in cricket look easy, his teammates often left in awe after yet another glorious cover drive.
However, it is Mitchell’s work ethic De Kock lacks sometimes, and the humility to address faults that can so often creep into the techniques of even the most talented sportsmen.
In contrast, coming out of the blue corner is WP’s gloveman Dane Vilas, who is also De Kock’s main rival for the Proteas job behind the stumps. Vilas is the incumbent Test keeper after replacing South African cricket’s former wunderkind in Bangladesh.
At 30 years old, Vilas has been around the proverbial block. International recognition hasn’t come easy for him. Admittedly not a natural gloveman, he has worked tirelessly on honing his skills, while also seeking advice from former Test keeper Mark Boucher. He has even gone to the extent of watching YouTube clips of other prominent glovemen to improve his technique.
Having been teammates recently on the SA A tour to India, De Kock and Vilas will put the niceties aside tonight when they go head-to-head in a showdown that will no doubt add an extra spark to an already intriguing clash.
“I have been ‘fighting’ with Quinny (De Kock), like we’ve been at each other for the last couple of seasons,” said Vilas yesterday. “When we were in India, a lot of guys were talking about it and there were a few chirps flying around, but it will be good to see Quinny here at his new home.
“There will definitely be a few words flying around, but nothing more than normal.”
De Kock was in brilliant form on the SA A tour to India where he struck three consecutive centuries. This would have put Vilas under pressure to perform too. He duly responded with a couple of half-centuries of his own.
“It is nice to watch Quinny when he is playing that well and I was really impressed with the way he batted in India. But I am happy with how I went,” Vilas said. “It was difficult to bat where I batted, coming in at No 6 and 7 and in often difficult situations. I felt though I was hitting the ball nicely and I’m happy with contributing those fifties.
“But whatever it is, if you want to represent South Africa, it’s because you’re playing well and not because someone else is playing badly and that’s why you made it.”
Vilas, though, can’t have a sense of tunnel vision tonight. His almost 10 years of first-class experience will be invaluable to a youthful Province team set to blood Rondebosch Boys’ High prodigy Dayyaan Galiem (18), who was to begin his September examinations today. Other colts like Emmanuel Emmanuel Sebareme (19), Zubayr Hamza (20) and Jack Newby (21) could also take the field.
“I am really excited about our team. We’ve got some really good youngsters like Hamza, Galiem… they’re really exciting talents,” Vilas said.
“Obviously it is now all about how they deal with the pressure on the night, playing under lights, playing in front of the cameras that sort of thing. But it’s our job as the older guys in the team to keep them calm and just get them to focus on performing their skills.”
SQUADS
Easterns: Ernest Kemm (captain), Thando Bula, Mangaliso Mosehle, Johan Fourie, Grant Thomson, Siphamandla Dapo, Wesley Coulentianos, Vincent Moore, Tabraiz Shamsi, Junior Dala, Ethy Mbhalati, Clayton August, Quinton de Kock
WP: Pieter Malan (captain), Dane Vilas, Omphile Ramela, Lesiba Ngoepe, Zubayr Hamza, Aviwe Mgijima, Lizaad Williams, George Linde, Dayyaan Galiem, Emmanuel Emmanuel Sebareme, Dane Paterson, Travis Muller, Jack Newby
WEEKEND FIXTURES
Today: Easterns v Western Province (6pm)
Tomorrow: Western Province v Northerns (9:30am); Easterns v Zimbabwe (1pm); Northerns v Zimbabwe (4:30pm)
Sunday: Zimbabwe v Western Province (10am); Easterns v Northerns (1:30pm)
*The four day-time fixtures (two tomorrow and two on Sunday) will be televised live by SuperSport - Cape Times