For JP, it’s about more than having fun with the Boks

David Miller shares a laugh with Springbok loose forward Willem Alberts during the Nelson Mandela Legacy Cup match at the Wanderers in 2014. Picture: CRICKET SA

David Miller shares a laugh with Springbok loose forward Willem Alberts during the Nelson Mandela Legacy Cup match at the Wanderers in 2014. Picture: CRICKET SA

Published Dec 7, 2016

Share

Cape Town - If JP Duminy thought he was going to get some well-deserved rest after a hectic Test tour of Australia, the Proteas star was very much mistaken.

In between playing for the Cape Cobras and the Proteas this week, the classy left-hand batsman will be fulfilling obligations to his JP21 Project at Bergvliet High. The last might seem insignificant to some, especially with the Cobras chasing a place in the T20 Challenge playoffs, but that is what separates Duminy from most professional sportsmen.

The 32-year-old hails from Strandfontein, went to school in Grassy Park and Plumstead, and his mother still lives in Ottery. He’s a man of the community and the people, and is acutely aware of the challenges young people face daily.

It is for this reason that he also attaches a great deal of value to the Nelson Mandela Legacy Cup, for which Proteas and Springbok rugby stars will be playing on Thursday at

Newlands.

“Yes, it’s a lot of fun getting out on the park with the Bokke and we all have a good time, but there’s a lot more to it than that," Duminy said at Newlands on Tuesday.

"We’re playing in honour of the great man, Nelson Mandela, because we all know if it wasn’t for his tremendous sacrifices we would never have got the opportunity to play on the international stage we play on now, and to live the lives we do.

“It’s an opportunity for us to repay, in a small way, the pathways that were opened for us to live our dreams, and at the same time we can hopefully make some money for the Nelson Mandela Charity in order to give more children the opportunity to realise their dreams.

"It’s our motto at the JP21 Project, too, where we can hopefully try and make a positive impact on the lives of the youth.”

Duminy missed out on the last Nelson Mandela Legacy Cup match back in 2014 at the Wanderers as he was still recuperating from an Achilles heel injury. He did, however, find himself behind the microphone on commentary duty - a position he found a lot more comfortable than when he played wicketkeeper for the Proteas in the Festival of Cricket clash against the Boks at Newlands in 2013.

“I actually enjoyed the commentary stint. It might be something I look into when my playing days are done,” Duminy laughed.

“It’s a good thing we’ve got Mangi (Mangaliso Mosehle) behind the stumps for this game. I thought I wasn’t too bad, but the guys chirped me a bit afterwards, so I’ll probably stick to bowling and fielding, although I have been catching okay of late, so maybe I’ll relieve Mangi for a bit.”

Cape Cobras coach Paul Adams will hope Duminy doesn't exert himself too much tomorrow as he is going to need him at his peak in three crucial T20 Challenge matches this week. The Cobras play the Knights on Wednesday at Newlands before travelling to Port Elizabeth to face the Warriors on Friday.

This will be followed by a virtual decider on Sunday against the Highveld Lions at Boland Park.

Only three wins from the three starts will give the Cobras any hope of reaching the playoff, and the Proteas' highest run-scorer in T20 internationals will no doubt have a big role to play in the outcome of those matches.

“I know what’s at stake for the Cobras and I’ll go out there and give it my best. I’ve always enjoyed playing in the blues, and (today's) match being at Newlands makes it extra special. I always enjoy playing in front of the faithful, and hopefully I can contribute to the team getting over the line,” Duminy said.

“My game plan is always to try and keep it simple as possible. It might only be 20 overs, but there is enough time to give yourself a sighter before expressing yourself. I’ve worked on different things to give myself various options to score all around the wicket, while most importantly keeping my balance.”

Cape Times

Related Topics: