Proteas fast bowler Gerald Coetzee says he’s excited to reunite with Aiden Markram at Durban’s Super Giants for the fourth season of the SA20.
Markram was snapped up for R14-million at last week’s auction, the second-highest fee in the competition’s history after Dewald Brevis went to the Pretoria Capitals for R16.5-million.
Coetzee, who joined from the Joburg Super Kings for R7.4-million, will also link up with Proteas youngster Kwena Maphaka and England star Jos Buttler.
Having played under Markram for the Proteas, Coetzee believes the 2023 and 2024 title-winning Sunrisers Eastern Cape skipper will be just as influential at Kingsmead.
“You can see why DSG value Aiden so much,” Coetzee told SportsBoom.co.za. “He’s not just a world-class batter – he’s one of the best leaders and one of the nicest people.
“He’s honest, understanding and kind, and gets on with everyone in the team. I think DSG made a great call to invest in him. The success of the last three SA20 seasons speaks for itself. With a good leader, a good team and a good environment, success is inevitable.”
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Coetzee will form part of a potent Super Giants pace attack alongside Maphaka, Eathan Bosch, Daryn Dupavillon and local all-rounder Andile Simelane.
“Kwena is obviously exciting. Eathan has done really well in the SA20. Daryn brings experience and is from Durban, and so is Andile. I think DSG have done their homework to sign quality players who know the conditions,” he said.
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Coetzee thanked the Joburg Super Kings for his first three SA20 seasons, but said he’s eager for a fresh challenge.
“I’ll always have a love for JSK – they treated me really well and it’s an awesome environment.
“But I’m very excited and honoured to be with DSG. I’ve played a lot with Klaasie [Heinrich Klaasen], Aiden and Jos, and against guys I really admire and respect. I’ve heard good things about the relaxed environment and I think it will bring out the best in me.”
Photo: Christiaan Kotze/Gallo Images
