LHUAN-DRE PRETORIUS: IT'S A DREAM COME TRUE

Paarl Royals’ Lhuan-dre Pretorius has expressed his excitement about the prospect of playing in Betway SA20 Season 3.

The 18-year-old Matric pupil at Cornwall Hill College in Centurion was signed up by the Royals as a Rookie for Season 2, but was forced to skip the competition due to representing the SA U19 team at the ICC U19 Men’s World Cup on home soil.

Although Pretorius was disappointed about missing out on the initial opportunity of playing in South Africa’s premier men’s T20 competition, he took centrestage at the U19 World Cup.

The powerful left-hander was the Junior Proteas’ leading run-scorer in the tournament with 287 runs at an average of 57.40 and strike-rate of 94.09. The run-tally included three half-centuries.

These performances, along with the fact that Pretorius also keeps wicket, saw the Royals incorporate the teenager into their squad for Season 3 despite him not playing a game in the pink as yet.

Pretorius was certainly overjoyed with the faith the Royals’ management had shown in him.

“It was a pity last year that it was the U19 World Cup. But it's great that I have been retained, for them to show trust in me, and them backing me means a lot. I am quite excited about it,” he told Betway SA20.

Pretorius will join up with his former Proteas SA U19 teammate and newly-capped Proteas seamer Kwena Maphaka at the Royals next season. The duo share a special friendship, with Pretorius and Maphaka previously having been schoolmates at St Stithians in Johannesburg before he transferred to Cornwall at the beginning of this year.

They also graduated through the Lions youth provincial structures together and will now continue their fledgeling cricketing careers at Boland Park.

“We have a strong relationship. His journey has, of course, gone quickly the past couple of months. I am very proud of him and excited for what's to come,” he said.

Pretorius has already had a taste of senior provincial cricket, after making his professional T20 debut for the Titans in last season’s Cricket SA T20 Challenge.

His potential was evident, with the southpaw striking 52 off 32 balls (3x4 ; 4x6) against Western Province at Newlands to announce his arrival on the senior stage.

He, however, believes it's all part of the process and wants to continue learning from the likes of senior players such as Royals captain David Miller and English international Joe Root.

“Obviously watching those guys on TV every day whilst growing up, it's a massive privilege. It's a dream come true,” Pretorius said.

“For me, it's not about the gametime, but rather taking in the lessons off the field. Learn as much as possible from the experienced players.”

Main image: ICC/Getty