DURBAN - PROTEAS star Andile Phehlukwayo is ready for his maiden tour of Sri Lanka, where he is set to play a part in the limited-overs T20 and ODI teams.
Phehlukwayo is set to jet off to Asia next week and link up with the rest of the Proteas squad who are currently taking part in the Test match series.
The Durban-based Dolphins cricketer said he hoped the conditions would not be too different from those in India and had been training to face conditions in slow wickets with low and slow bounce. He was also working on his slower ball variations ahead of the tour.
Phehlukwayo, who has been dubbed “the next Lance Klusener” said his personal target was to win the limited overs series in Sri Lanka, and play a part in the team.
“Winning games is probably my target, if I can win three out of five if I get my opportunity to play, that’s definitely something I have to do and to contribute with ball or bat, just bringing a difference, bringing good energies and being positive around the team,” he said.
LISTEN: Proteas all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo speaks about his upcoming limited overs tour of Sri Lanka. Audio: Sihle Mlambo
Phehlukwayo was speaking to Independent Media at the adidas store launch at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, where the sports apparel company officially launched it’s biggest store in South Africa on Thursday night.
He said he was ready for the tour and preparations had been good.
“The first Test match started (on Thursday) and the conditions look very tough, I’ve never been to Sri Lanka myself, but I am really keen and excited at the new journey and (facing) new conditions,” he said.
Also in attendance at the launch was Amazulu midfielder Michael Morton and gqom musician Babes Wodumo, who was draped in Adidas apparel and mingled with fans.
Babes Wodumo mingles with a fan, Kaylin Brassey, 13, at the adidas Gateway launch. Picture: Sihle Mlambo
Meanwhile, Brett Burgess, the adidas SA OMNI senior manager, said the store was built with the concept of a stadium because “when you walk in it feels like you are part of a sports field and a stadium with the concrete and the metal, it really brings sports to life,” he said.