BETWAY SA20 HELPED ME TO CONTROL MY DEBUT NERVES, SAYS GERALD COETZEE

Joburg Super Kings‘ fast bowler Gerald Coetzee became a cult hero during the Betway SA20. The 22-year-old charged in, delivered fiery spells, claimed 17 wickets – all while wearing his trademark headband. 

Coetzee fans all around the country started wearing headbands in the crowd to support the pacemen, who was dubbed “The Karate Kid”. 

It was a throwback to a different era when legendary fast bowlers such as Australia’s Dennis Lilee initially made the sweatband around the head famous. Coetzee is, of course, too young to have seen Lilee in action, and instead idolises Spanish tennis superstar Rafael Nadal, who is also known for his trademark headbands. 

“I am a massive Rafa fan” Coetzee said after his impressive Proteas Test debut at Centurion. “It’s just to keep the sweat out of my face. Don’t want to keep removing the sweat.”

The young quick certainly made the West Indies’ batters sweat at Centurion. He bowled rapidly in both innings, claiming 2/45 and 1/20, helping the Proteas to an 87-run victory. 

Coetzee credited his experiences in the recent Betway SA20 for helping him to remain calm in adapting to the pressure of international cricket. 

“I am at the start of my journey. The SA20 helped tremendously with the big crowds. There was not a big crowd, but I was nervous. But the nerves were a bit better,” the young tearaway said. 

“I had a lot of fun. Don’t have many words, I will cherish this win. We have an unbelievable bowling attack, it just made me really calm.”

Coetzee will certainly be looking forward to playing the second Test at Joburg Super Kings’ homeground, the Wanderers, next Wednesday.