Mashimbyi backs Ntini to become a genuine all-rounder for the Titans

Titans coach Mandla Mashimbyi believes that the highly promising Thando Ntini has the potential to become a genuine all-rounder for the side.

Ntini‚ who is the son of legendary former Proteas fast bowler Makhaya‚ has signed with the Pretoria side from the Cobras in Cape Town where he made his List A and First-Class debuts last year.

Ntini is also a junior international having represented South Africa at the U19 World Cup in New Zealand two years ago and he was one of the wild picks for the Paarl Rocks in the Mzansi Super League last season.

“He has done very well as a fast bowler but we need to work on his batting a little bit more because he could develop into a very good all-rounder‚” said Mashimbyi who was given the coaching responsibilities at SuperSport Park when Mark Boucher joined the Proteas last year.

In his short professional career Ntini has taken 20 First-Class wickets after eight innings‚ claimed 18 scalps after 12 List A innings and five T20 wickets after seven outings.

As Mashimbyi pointed out‚ it is with the bat where the 19-year-old has lacked and needs to improve as he has only managed 73 runs across all three formats.

“I see him more as a fast bowler but we need to work on his batting because he has potential to develop as a very good all-rounder for SA in the future‚" he said.

"I have spoken to him about that and he is willing to work hard and improve his game.

"He is still young and will definitely be given all the necessary support and opportunities to grow in our set-up.

"We see him becoming an important player for us.”

The Proteas have produced all-rounders like Lance Klusener‚ Jacques Kallis and Vernon Philander over the years and also experimented with Chris Morris‚ Andile Phehlukwayo‚ Dwaine Pretorius and Wiaan Mulder.

“You must remember that you have different types of all-rounders‚" Mashimbyi said.

"Quinton de Kock is also an all-rounder because he keeps wicket and you had someone like Jacques Kallis who was a batting all-rounder.

"He (Ntini) is more like Vernon Philander who was a bowling all-rounder and we will help him improve all aspects of his game.”

Mashimbyi said he was happy that Ntini chose the Titans as he will learn from international players like Lungi Ngidi and Junior Dala.

“He wanted to come and play here with us and that is what impressed me about him‚" Mashimbyi said.

"I believe that he was impressed with our systems of giving younger players a chance to prove themselves.

"He will have to come through and fight for his place and show himself‚ us and the country what he can do.”