Phehlukwayo keeps feet firmly grounded

Sunfoil Dolphins’ Andile Phehlukwayo is relishing the opportunity the upcoming Africa T20 Cup will afford him to continue his development and hopes a couple of big performances will enhance his growing reputation as a quality all-rounder.

Phehlukwayo has already shown flashes of his undoubted talent that was first spotted at a higher level during South Africa’s ICC Under-19 World Cup winning campaign in Dubai last year and hopes to make a significant contribution to KZN’s Africa T20 Cup campaign.

“The Africa T20 Cup is a wonderful initiative as it gives us young cricketers an early opportunity to play against the likes of Hashim Amla and Morne Morkel,” said Phehlukwayo.

“Likewise, we will have experienced players like David Miller and Cameron Delport in our KZN team; guys who have played T20 cricket all around the world.

“If I can learn from these guys, I am sure I can take my game to the next level and transfer this to franchise cricket when the domestic season gets underway.”

Whereas most professional cricketers are sourcing the latest hi-tech gadget or flashy car to purchase with the salaries earned from their monthly contracts, Phehlukwayo has far more humble desires.

The 19-year-old from Port Shepstone on KZN’s South Coast has his roots firmly embedded and is not getting carried away with the fame earned when he was selected for the Dolphins team to compete in last season’s Champions League T20 in India despite still being in matric at Glenwood High School.

“The Champions League was undoubtedly the highlight of my life,” he explained. “It was an amazing experience to play on such a big stage, but at the same time it showed me how hard I need to work if I want to play at the highest level.”

“I didn’t grow up in a family that was financially supported. My mum, who was a domestic worker, worked long hard hours just to get me to school.

“I really didn’t enjoy the environment in which she worked. I was motivated to succeed so that someday I can try and support her.

“She’s old now, so I have to be the breadwinner in the house.”