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Kamanzi eyes regular spot after making first-class debut

After making his first-class debut last week against the GbetsRocks, Six Gun Grill Western Province left-arm spin bowler Yves Kamanzi is now looking forward to becoming a regular in the professional setup.

Kamanzi’s parents are originally from Rwanda, but they emigrated to South Africa in 1997 post the Rwandan genocide and Kamanzi was then born in Durban in 1999. The 22-year-old, who made his first-class debut for KwaZulu-Natal in the 2018–19 CSA 3-Day Provincial Cup in 2019, has made an impressive impact since joining Western Province Cricket last season (he is currently part of the WP Academy squad) and even though he didn’t take a wicket at Boland Park, his two bowling spells, first innings 0/46 – second innings 0/67, together with a crucial 30 runs off 64 balls with the bat, contributed to his side’s draw against their derby rivals, and he is now looking forward to taking those learnings into this week’s game against the Momentum Multiply Titans in the third round of the competition at Six Gun Grill Newlands.

“I feel good, really fortunate to get the opportunity to play first-class cricket,” he said.

“I’ve taken a lot from this game – a lot of good and a lot of learnings going to the next game. It was my first game, but I have learnt a lot – something I hope will take me places in the tournament and in helping my team.”

Kamanzi made his T20 professional debut this year for WP in the 2021–22 CSA T20 Knock Out tournament and he believes he will go from strength to strength, something to help him grow his game temperament as he will be facing a Titans side with some decent experience in their ranks.

“The Titans offer a different challenge to the Rocks but I’m working on improving my game with my coaches on a daily basis and hopefully, if selected, I will contribute some wickets to my team’s cause as we go in search of our first win of the 4 Day campaign,” he concluded.

The match against the Titans begins on Thursday November 18, with coach Salieg Nackerdien naming his squad on Wednesday.

You can catch the game live on the SuperSport YouTube Channel as the match will be played behind closed doors without spectators.