Ex-border Schools star and South African U19 World Cup-winning bowler Ngazibini Sigwili is enjoying an extended run in the Eastern Province team of late.
The 19-year-old Sigwili has been a regular fixture in the side since the season kicked off in October last year.
Since making his debut against Gauteng in the first match of the season, he has played in six first-class games and two List A matches.
“I am really enjoying playing for EP,” said Sigwili.
“I was given a good opportunity and have had a good season so I am happy overall.”
Sigwili is currently on duty with the Nelson Mandela Bay University (NMMU) cricket team at the Varsity Cricket Tournament taking place in Potchefstroom over this week.
However, he will most likely return to the EP side for their last Sunfoil Three-Day Cup matches against North West next week and Northerns the following week.
“I am carrying a bit of a back injury, so I have only played two games so far, but hopefully I will get another game in before the end of the tournament,” said Sigwili.
“When I return I think I will be rested for the next EP game and will look to come back fresh for the last match.”
Sigwili matriculated from Hudson Park High School in 2013 and was then a member of the victorious SA U19 team competing at the U19 World Cup in Dubai last year.
Sigwili featured regularly for various Border schools teams during his schooling career with great success, leading to his selection for the SA U19’s who he made a number of appearances for during two tours, against England at home and away in India in a quadrangular series against the hosts, Australia and Zimbabwe and then at the World Cup.
His start to provincial cricket in a drawn match against Gauteng last year saw him bat and bowl in both innings, scoring an eight not out and 14, while he was not able to pick up a wicket posting figures of 0/57 and 0/20.
“I think that I bowled really well on debut and feel I was a bit unlucky not to get any wickets,” admitted Sigwili.
Sigwili’s second match against Border showed improved figures as despite going out for a duck in their first innings, he bowled economically conceding just 14 runs in nine overs in Border’s first innings and then landing his first wicket for EP in the second, finishing with figures of 2/19 in seven overs. “There were definitely some mixed emotions in this game, but I now play for EP and had to perform for them.”
Sigwili then enjoyed his best bowling figures to date in his third match when his superb haul of 4/9 contributed to a Namibian batting collapse that saw them score just 125.
Making the feat all the more impressive was that he managed it in 10.2 overs, along with five maidens.
In all Sigwili has claimed 13 first-class wickets and two List A scalps so far and he can only continue to grow from here.
His last outing with EP saw him pick up 2/41 in the first innings against Free State, while not managing a scalp in the second, but as long as he continues to pick up wickets regularly he will improve as he gets more experienced.
“I have played with some top players here and I am learning a lot,” said Sigwili.
Sigwili keen to be a hit on bowling front
The 19-year-old Sigwili has been a regular fixture in the side since the season kicked off in October last year.
Since making his debut against Gauteng in the first match of the season, he has played in six first-class games and two List A matches.
“I am really enjoying playing for EP,” said Sigwili.
“I was given a good opportunity and have had a good season so I am happy overall.”
Sigwili is currently on duty with the Nelson Mandela Bay University (NMMU) cricket team at the Varsity Cricket Tournament taking place in Potchefstroom over this week.
However, he will most likely return to the EP side for their last Sunfoil Three-Day Cup matches against North West next week and Northerns the following week.
“I am carrying a bit of a back injury, so I have only played two games so far, but hopefully I will get another game in before the end of the tournament,” said Sigwili.
“When I return I think I will be rested for the next EP game and will look to come back fresh for the last match.”
Sigwili matriculated from Hudson Park High School in 2013 and was then a member of the victorious SA U19 team competing at the U19 World Cup in Dubai last year.
Sigwili featured regularly for various Border schools teams during his schooling career with great success, leading to his selection for the SA U19’s who he made a number of appearances for during two tours, against England at home and away in India in a quadrangular series against the hosts, Australia and Zimbabwe and then at the World Cup.
His start to provincial cricket in a drawn match against Gauteng last year saw him bat and bowl in both innings, scoring an eight not out and 14, while he was not able to pick up a wicket posting figures of 0/57 and 0/20.
“I think that I bowled really well on debut and feel I was a bit unlucky not to get any wickets,” admitted Sigwili.
Sigwili’s second match against Border showed improved figures as despite going out for a duck in their first innings, he bowled economically conceding just 14 runs in nine overs in Border’s first innings and then landing his first wicket for EP in the second, finishing with figures of 2/19 in seven overs. “There were definitely some mixed emotions in this game, but I now play for EP and had to perform for them.”
Sigwili then enjoyed his best bowling figures to date in his third match when his superb haul of 4/9 contributed to a Namibian batting collapse that saw them score just 125.
Making the feat all the more impressive was that he managed it in 10.2 overs, along with five maidens.
In all Sigwili has claimed 13 first-class wickets and two List A scalps so far and he can only continue to grow from here.
His last outing with EP saw him pick up 2/41 in the first innings against Free State, while not managing a scalp in the second, but as long as he continues to pick up wickets regularly he will improve as he gets more experienced.
“I have played with some top players here and I am learning a lot,” said Sigwili.
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