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DE BRUYN LAUDS PRETORIA CAPITALS' CAMARADERIE
Pretoria Capitals batter Theunis de Bruyn came across like a kid in candy shop when joining the Pretoria Capitals camp last week ahead of Betway SA20 Season 2.
That could probably be down to the fact that, despite only being 31, De Bruyn has decided to pursue the next step of his working career – as a Chartered Accountant – and has not played any professional cricket since the last year’s final, when the Capitals came up short against Sunrisers Eastern Cape.
“I’m super excited… [Betway SA20] is a fantastic way to start the year,” De Bruyn told the Capitals media crew while sporting a broad smile at their base.
“We’re such a nice family and we built such a nice culture last season and it’s amazing to see how everybody is happy to be back and we’re looking forward to this season.”
De Bruyn was one of four ‘ever-presents’ for the Season 1 runners-up, playing all 12 of their matches alongside New Zealander Jimmy Neesham, League Rising Stars Eathan Bosch and Rilee Rossouw. His 238 runs also put him joint-second on their top scorers list (with Phil Salt) behind English revelation, Will Jacks.
De Bruyn scored 238 runs during Betway SA20 Season 1, the joint-second most for Pretoria Capitals on their run to the final.
“It was just such a special occasion last season, which creates expectation obviously of being a better year this year. We came close to winning it and the main team is still here with a few individuals that’s bringing new energy.”
The latter category includes trade-in Corbin Bosch, big money recruit Matthew Boast, Ireland captain Paul Stirling and Proteas wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne. Meanwhile, with De Bruyn having stood in for Wayne Parnell as captain in three matches last campaign he has maintained a senior role in the Capitals set-up in-between seasons.
“It’s nice – distance makes the heart grow fonder because we haven’t seen each other for quite some time and we had such special memories last season. Those memories keep people close so we’ve stayed in touch throughout the year and it’s nice to play cricket with your mates.”
The Capitals made memories during the inaugural SA20 season - which have knitted the group together says De Bruyn.
The Capitals will get their League campaign underway away at Paarl Royals on Friday, 12 January 2024 before hosting the same opponents in their first home fixture at Centurion two days later.
