1.
Wandile Mjekevu.
Remember
in early 2010 when a young, 19 year old Lions winger burst onto the scene and
scored a hat trick of tries against the Chiefs in one of his first Super Rugby
games? Well, that young winger is now 21 and he will turn up in the colours of
the Sharks this year. Mjekevu is a seriously talented lad who perhaps many, me
included, thought would be the brightest young player in SA by now. Things
haven't turned out quite as we expected and some troubles with the suits at the
Lions have led him to the sign with the Sharks. The fact that Mjekevu can
produce not only at age-group level but also when brushing shoulders with the
big boys is not in dispute but this is the year that he has to show that he can
do it consistently and that he is not just another story of a precociously
talented age group star.
2.
Aya Gqamane
What
are the chances that a dusty, rural village in the Eastern Cape could produce
two national cricket sensations? It might seem like a case of lightning
striking in the same place twice, but surely the chances of Mdingi village,
famed for producing Makhaya Ntini, of producing such talent would be just on
par with any other, right? Well, the village hasn't quite produced 2
international cricketers just yet but if its latest prodigy continues to
perform as exceptionally as in his breakthrough season for the Warriors, he
will be Mdingi's second Protea sooner rather than later.
You're
probably not used to hearing the phrase "diminutive fast bowler", but
you will pretty soon. But 23 year old Gqamane is a lot more than that. Along
with taking 22 wickets in his 3 matches in the Sunfoil Series, he has also
scored 107 runs. With Gary Kirsten and Proteas management seemingly keen on
giving young talent a chance, don't be surprised to see Gqamane in the green
and gold. Either way, expect a big 2013 from him.
3.
Cobus Reinach
No
flash. Quietly impressive. Does the business, gets the job done. That's really
all that needs to be said of the Sharks scrumhalf who had a breakout season in
the Currie Cup last year. I reckon Reinach's role in the Sharks side throughout
their charge to the Currie Cup final was largely underrated maybe owing to the
number of stars playing for the Durban outfit but certainly he was one of the
most efficient and industrious players. If he has a Super Rugby campaign
anywhere near as good as his 2012 Currie Cup, he will be one THE players to
watch in 2013, I think he will do big things and achieve higher honours.
4.
Elton Jantjies
I
don't know about you, but I have been dying to see young Elton playing
regularly behind a strong pack of forwards with excellent service from the
halfback on his inside and a quality no.12 on his outside and this year I'm
gonna get just that when Jantjies turns out in the colours of the Stormers in the
Super Rugby tournament. I thought he was pretty good playing for the Lions but
I think with the quality of Stormers players all around him, he will get
better. First he will have to slug it out with Peter Grant for a starting
position but he'll be better for it and he needs a strong season with the Cape
Town outfit to enter into the reckoning for a regular spot in the Springbok
line up.
5.
Quinton de Kock
The
20 year old Joburger has had quite the summer so far. He has been anointed as
Mark Boucher's long term successor as the Proteas glove man. That he is talent
is not at question, but a few cricket writers have suggested that he is not yet
ready for international cricket. He is highly rated and the hype around means
more people will be critical of him. De Kock has to perform out of his skin to
justify his place in the Proteas' line up going and he has the extra weight of
having to be the face of the decision to exclude Thami Tsolekile from the
Proteas' reckoning. 2013 will be a great test of character for young de Kock.
6.
Rudi Second
While
de Kock faces his examination in the public eye, another young
wicketkeeper/batsman has his head down and going about his work quietly but
efficiently. Second welcomed 2013 with a double century for the Knights against
the Titans. South Africa should be excited that they have a keeper in the
making that can occupy the crease like Second and score big runs when
needed. Rudi Second may not have the
media hype around him but that does not diminish his talent and it might suit
him not to be the boy wonder everyone expects so much from. Expect Rudi Second
to breathe down the neck of de Kock this year and enter into conversations
about the best young keeper in SA before long.
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