Titans set unleash ‘secret weapon’‚ ambidextrous spinner Mahlokwana

Titans coach Mark Boucher is expected to unleash little-known but highly promising 22-year old slow orthodox spinner Gregory Mahlokwana in the opening match of the Momentum One Day Cup against Dolphins at SuperSport Park on Friday.

Mahlokwana‚ who made his List-A debut in the Cricket South Africa (CSA) provincial One Day Challenge match for Northerns against North West in Potchefstroom last weekend‚ is seen as a genuine prospect for the franchise by Boucher.

The youngster is a peculiarity in cricket in that he bowls with both arms‚ either left-arm orthodox or off-spin.

“He uses both his arms‚ which is a rarity‚ and he is something special‚” said an upbeat Boucher.

“In the past‚ the Titans have produced international players but we have not produced enough young players and he is one of the few young players who will be given a chance to prove themselves.

“We are excited about him and he is something on a secret weapon for this season.”

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On his debut against North West Mahlokwana conceded 47 runs in his allotted 10 overs without taking a wicket but Boucher said the spinner has a lot of time ahead of him to learn and contribute to the Titans.

Titans assistant coach Mandla Mashimbyi said Mahlokwana‚ who is from Cullinan in Pretoria‚ has been part of the Northerns Development Structures since he was 13 years old‚ all the way through to the under-19s.

“After high school‚ he went to the Fort Hare Academy‚ which is coached by former Proteas fast bowler Mfuneko Ngam for about two years.

“He has variety because he can bowl both left and right arm‚ he is super talented‚ he is willing to learn and he will definitely give us the edge‚” said Mashimbyi.

“He is one of a kind because of his variety of being able to use both hands to bowl‚ he has great attitude and I believe that he has what it takes to make it.”

Mahlokwana will be up against experienced batsmen against the Dolphins such as Vaughn van Jaarsveld‚ Khaya Zondo‚ Imraan Khan‚ Cody Chetty and Daryn Dupavillon‚ where he will be tested to the limit.

• Boje knows four-day champions Knights have target on their back in ODI CupFollowing their recent Sunfoil Series success‚ Knights coach Nicky Boje is aware that his side will be a marked team during the Momentum One Day Cup‚ which starts on Friday. 

Northerns finished bottom of the log last season. Boucher said the Titans were looking have a better campaign‚ starting against the Dolphins.

“We didn’t do too well last year as we came last. Preparations have been good and the boys are determined to come back and do well.

“We have a one day set-up‚ we have a couple of guys like AB de Villiers‚ who will be playing some games for us after the ODI series in New Zealand‚ and we have other experienced guys like David Wiese‚ Dean Elgar and Albie Morkel who will add a lot of value for us this season‚” Boucher said.

- TMG Digital/TMG Sport