SA20 IS GOING TO BE MIND-BLOWING, SAYS JOBURG SUPER KINGS’ CALEB SELEKA
Adversity often gives rise to the greatest feats. Caleb Seleka knows a little something about that.
After being part of the original South Africa U-19 squad, Seleka missed out on a place in the final 15-man team to participate in this year’s ICC U-19 World Cup in the Caribbean.
The young leg-spinner admits that it was “disappointing”, but it only made him work harder and that has ultimately resulted in his selection for the Joburg Super Kings for next year’s inaugural SA20.
“It was disappointing not to be part of the (SA U19) playing squad. At the time the coaches felt they were doing what was best for the team, so there’s no hard feelings or anything,” Seleka said.
“Maybe it was on me, I could have done a bit more, but that’s fine. That’s exactly what I went to do and look where I am now. I did not take this as a negative. I used it to become better.”
It is this positive attitude and desire to work hard at his game that will stand Seleka in good stead when he meets up with his Joburg Super Kings teammates in the new year.
“Honestly speaking, I am not sure whether or not I will get a lot of games. But that does not bother me. The main thing for me is to go into that professional environment with all that experience and knowledge,” he said.
Seleka has already tapped into the resources available by calling on JSK bowling coach Eric Simons in the bid to improve his game before the SA20 gets underway.
“I have already had a conversation with Eric Simons, our bowling coach. We have been talking about the expectations, and how we are going to go about it. The chats have been really positive. It has had an impact on my game already.”
Seleka will form part of an impressive spin trio at the Wanderers with Sri Lankan mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana and wildcard signing Aaron Phangiso completing the JSK line-up.
“There is a lot of knowledge I can get from him (Phangiso), especially for the fact that he is from South Africa. He’s been playing for years. It’s going to be mind-blowing,” the 20-year-old said.
“Before he was picked, the only spinner we had was Mahesh Theekshana from Sri Lanka, and I mean, speaking to him will benefit me hugely.”
Seleka and the Joburg Super Kings will kick off their SA20 campaign with an away match against Durban’s Super Giants at Kingsmead on 11 January 2023.
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