by Abhai Sawkar Cricket is a game of ups and downs - there are moments to cherish, as well as the tough, testing situations. The excitement of playing at center stage is palpable, especially after you put in the hard yards over the course of a long period of time. Onke Nyaku’s journey exemplifies that persistence pays off, especially as the situation grows more and more competitive. 2019 has been the year to remember for Nyaku. Not only did he enter the Port Elizabeth based Warriors franchise team for the first time, his useful contributions during the CSA T20 Challenge earned him a contract with the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants during the Mzansi Super League draft. It was gratifying in more ways than one for the young all-rounder - five years of hard work and dedication at professional level eventually brought about an opening to the nation’s new premier T20 league. “I was really surprised, but also excited with the opportunity to showcase my skills. I’m really keen to learn from the experienced players within the squad and the chance to play against some top quality players.” However, the improvement and development hasn’t always been smooth for the youngster. At provincial level, he made his first-class debut for Eastern Province in late 2014, after rising through the ranks as a domestic Under-19 cricketer. Nyaku began as a right-arm seamer who could bat down the order, and his fervor for the game stems from his admiration of one of the finest pace bowlers for the Proteas. “I first developed the passion when I was 6, watching Makhaya Ntini representing the Proteas, and I just wanted to replicate what he did. I’ve had a passion for the game since then.” Unfortunately, injuries forced him to bowl less frequently. As a result, adaptability and determination have both become key ingredients to his already fruitful foray to reach higher honors. The bowling has taken a bit of a back seat, while he’s shifted his focus to batting in the middle order. “It’s been a patient process over the course of the past couple of years, as I’ve been hampered by shoulder injuries, but that’s also given me the opportunity to work more on my batting game,” says Nyaku. “Right now, batting is my stronger skill. I haven’t bowled as much because of shoulder injuries.” Prior to working his way to franchise cricket, Nyaku was selected to feature in the CSA South Africa Emerging squad last year. Fifteen players, all of whom were part of the National Academy initiative, were chosen to visit Sri Lanka for two unofficial Tests and three unofficial ODIs. Overall, it was a difficult tour, especially since adjustment to relatively unknown conditions in uncharted territory wasn’t easy. More importantly, the learning opportunity was priceless for Nyaku. “The experience was eye opening, being able to play against international players is not something everyone can say they've done before. So I'm truly grateful for that, but you also learn from that experience, that there's no space for inconsistency. You have to know your game very well if you want to be successful for a long period of time at that level. As a player who has aspirations of playing there, it was a great experience for me to now know what needs to be done there.” Nyaku’s first season with the Warriors saw him get a sprinkling of chances in limited-overs cricket. He played a few handy cameos in the middle order during the CSA T20 Challenge - his best was a sprightly 37 from 22 balls (2 fours, 3 sixes) at No. 6, against the Cape Cobras. He scored a vital 27 in the T20 final, but his side lost by 11 runs. Despite coming up short, it’s been great incentive for Nyaku. His clean hitting plus his handy bowling has been on display on quite a few occasions, and now it’s all about maximizing the consistency factor moving forward. “The season went well for me personally. I've grown more as a player and now I feel as if I understand my game somewhat more. For the Warriors I'd say it was a fairly successful season as well, reaching the semis for the Momentum Cup and the finals in the [CSA] T20 Challenge. The best part was being able to play in the finals in the T20 cup, even though we didn't win but the team showed great character in the game.” The driving force for the strong-willed 25-year-old has been the urge to fulfill his potential and beyond, and repay the faith from all who have supported him through thick and thin. “I’ve got a passion for the game and I just want to do my level best every time I get the chance. I also aim to make everyone that’s helped me throughout my cricketing journey proud, I’d say that’s my biggest motivation. Injuries have been a setback, which has been frustrating.” At the moment, Nyaku looks up to one of the best in the business - the star of the 2019 World Cup and more recently, the X-factor for England in the Ashes. “My cricketing inspiration is Ben Stokes, he’s probably the world’s best allrounder at the moment, and the way he goes about his business is exemplary.” Nyaku’s promising beginning at franchise level has earned him a spot in the Warriors contract list for the upcoming 2019-20 domestic season. Last time around, he featured in the shorter formats, but a Warriors first-class debut should be beckoning. Right now, his focus lies in being a team player to the best of his ability. “For this season I just want to be able to contribute towards the team, whether it’s with the bat or ball, and be more consistent with both skills.” There’s a lot to play for in the upcoming MSL - Nyaku may be a first-timer, but he’s recently continued his improvement as an impact player for the Eastern Province side during the CSA Provincial T20 Cup. Against KwaZulu-Natal Inland, Nyaku scored an attacking 50 from 33 and took 3 for 16 in 3 overs. Eastern Province finished as semifinalists, but the game time is great preparation for the much bigger event coming up. This year, the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants have a great mix of world-class performers as well as newcomers raring to succeed at the top tier. Playing alongside and against some of the renowned names in the MSL will be yet another experience to savor.
1 Comment
Jevandre
10/4/2019 05:29:36 am
A Goat right before our eyes. Keep it going OG
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