Former South Africa U19 captain and Western Province all-rounder Juan James is focused on scoring bigger scores following his maiden T20 half-century earlier this week as Province travel to Gqeberha to face the Warriors.
Life post-age group cricket has been tough for 21-year-old James, as he has taken time to acclimatise in the professional set-up for Province.
Earlier this week, the spin-bowling all-rounder showed glimpses of his potential as he scored 52 in Province’s 65-run loss to neighbours Boland in Paarl earlier this week. It was preceded by another promising unbeaten 25 off just 16 balls to take Province over the line in their previous fixture against North West.
Reflecting on his maiden T20 half-century, James expressed his happiness and sense of relief, admitting that getting that first one off the mark feels really special while also emphasising that he’s hungry for more.
“It was quite a relief, to be honest. I’ve been feeling quite good in the nets, so I’m happy I could put a performance together like that, said James.
“This is just the beginning for me; my eyes are already set on bigger scores and stronger performances ahead to help the team as we are in the building phase together.
“I wasn’t thinking about much (when closing in on maiden 50). The situation was pretty tough, so my main focus was just to get the team as close as possible to the target.”
James, and a number of other young Province players, including Valentine Kitime and Daniel Smith, seem to be peaking at the right time as senior players such as Tony de Zorzi and George Linde are currently away on national duty.
Kitime is fresh from his maiden First-Class century, one that he followed up with a half-century against the North West Dragons in their opening fixture of the ongoing CSA T20 Challenge.
Smith, too, has had a good season thus far. The left-hander put together a sparkling 26-ball 80, as he put the Dragons bowlers to the sword at Newlands to secure a four-wicket victory for Province.
James praised Kitime for his impressive start to the season and attributed their performances to the belief that new head coach Rory Kleinveldt has shown in them as youngsters.
“Valentine Kitime has had quite a good start to the season, with him ticking off a couple of milestones,” he said.
“I think it all just comes down to the way coach Rory [Kleinveldt] allows us to play and the belief he has in us as individuals.”
The team’s next assignment takes them to Gqeberha, where they will face the Warriors at St George’s Park on Friday.
The 21-year-old says the Boys in Blue are ready and motivated for the challenge ahead.
“The Warriors have had a good start to the season and look like a team with confidence, especially seeing that they haven’t lost a game yet,” said James.
“But we are up for the challenge and looking to change that this Friday. So, it should be a really good game.”
Another fixture on Friday will see the North West Dragons host the Dolphins at JB Marks Oval.
Western Province Squad
Juan James, Joshua van Heerden, Beuran Hendricks, Edward Moore, Josh Breed, Valentine Kitime, Mthiwekhaya Nabe, Daniel Smith (w/k), Jiveshan Pillay, Dane Paterson, Oliver Whitehead, Raeeq Daniels, Asakhe Tsaka.
