When 23 year old Kyle Simmonds heard his name being called out at the draft of South Africa’s first ever T20 Global League competition, he couldn’t quite believe what happened at that very moment. Simmonds was picked by the Stellenbosch Monarchs Franchise in the final round of the draft; picking up a R130 000 contract in the process.
“It still hasn’t quite sunk in yet. I would have been grateful to play for any team but to be drafted for the Stellenbosch Franchise was just a little bit more special for me.”
Kyle Simmonds was the last player to be drafted by the Stellenbosch Monarchs Franchise for South Africa’s first ever T20 Global League competition.
Simmonds, who has been playing for Maties since his first year in 2013, has also represented Boland in the past with their homeground at Boland Park in Paarl. It will also be the venue where the Stellenbosch Monarchs will play all of their home matches; something Simmonds is excited and optimistic about.
“I love playing cricket in Paarl and can’t wait to represent the Stellenbosch Monarchs as a local Maties cricketer.”
Cricket has been in his blood since a very young age. From playing for the Westville Boys High School’s first team in 2012 to playing alongside some the best players in the world in November and December this year, will be all about gaining as much experience as possible for Simmonds.
“The talent we have in the squad makes me look forward to learning as much as I can from top class cricketers. The life of a professional cricketer is something I have always wanted so I’m looking forward to that too.”
The Stellenbosch Monarchs team includes some exciting and explosive cricketers from South Africa and all over the world. Names like Alex Hales, Lasith Malinga, Imad Wasim and Proteas captain, Faf du Plessis are only a few players that Simmonds will be sharing a dressing room with soon. Players that he has admired for a long time.
“The team’s marquee player and South Africa’s captain, Faf du Plessis is someone I definitely look up to in the squad. He is a huge player in SA cricket and someone I can learn a lot from.”
Kyle Simmonds following his century and five wicket haul for the South African Academy team against Zimbabwe A in Bulawayo. Photo: Maties Cricket
Simmonds had an excellent 2017 season for Maties, being selected in the team of the competition following this year’s edition of the National Club Championship, where Maties finished in third position. He then stole the headlines in the cricket circles with magnificent performances for the South African Academy team against Zimbabwe A. Simmonds scored a century and took five wickets in a four day match, played in Bulawayo. He then followed that up with another 100 in an one day match in Harare.
The T20 Global League kicks off on Friday the 3rd of November, with the Stellenbosch Monarchs playing their first game of the competition the following day at Boland Park against the Joburg Giants. – Andre Huisamen