Paceman Simphiwe Yiba bid adieu to Green Point Cricket Club and the Western Province Cricket Association’s Premier League in his final match before emigrating on Saturday, February 10.
Packing his cricket kit and dreams, Yiba is set to relocate to New Zealand this Friday, February 16, where he will not only continue playing cricket but also embark on a new chapter, working in Hawkes Bay.
From the cricket fields of Dan Qeqe Stadium in Gqeberha, to donning the colours of various Cape Town clubs, Yiba’s journey resonates deeply, originating from the same neighbourhood that produced the iconic Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi.
Yiba was introduced to the sport by his primary school teacher, Mr Tata, at Emfundweni Primary School in Zwide.
His cousins used to play cricket at Van Der Kemp Street, in teams of eight. During his run-up, Yiba used to mimic Australia’s World Cup-winning bowler, Brett Lee.
“My uncles used to play cricket in the streets. I used to call myself Brett Lee. So the action needed to be like him too, mate,” he said.
Yiba went on to make the Eastern Province under-13 team while he was in Grade 7. However, he was left out of the under-15 team the following year. As a result of hard work, he made the provincial under-17 team twice.
“I was disappointed for not making it in the under-15 team. I didn’t bowl well on the first day of trials and the coach did not notice me. I trained harder with United Brothers Cricket Club and made the under-17 team two times in a row. I played for the club’s first team at 19,” he said.
While at Ithembelihle Comprehensive School, Yiba made the provincial under-19 team that took part in the Coca-Cola Khaya Majola under-19 week.
After a training camp with the Eastern Province Academy in Oudtshoorn, Yiba transitioned to Cape Town. The move, however, was particularly challenging, as shortly after arriving in New Crossroads, he lost his brother in a car accident.
Yiba studied sports management at ETA College and joined the Western Province Cricket Club in Claremont. He then went on to play for Primrose, Bellville, Rondebosch and Green Point. For the 2019/2020 season, he was contracted to Langa but the Covid-19 pandemic paused all sporting codes.
Recently married, Yiba said the move to New Zealand came at a perfect time for his family.
“My wife and I are excited and nervous for the opportunity. We want to explore since we are a young family. We’ll save for the next 15 years. Education is free in New Zealand,” he said.
The 31-year-old paceman played his final game for Green Point in the Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) Premier League 2023/24 season with a 11-run victory over his old club, Primrose Cricket Club, this past weekend.
“Saturday was very emotional. It is always great to have the chairman, the coach and the captain backing you on and off the field. You feel confident because of the preparation since Tuesday. Coach said I bowled the best figures of the weekend in that game (laughs)… I’ve always felt at home at Green Point,” he said.
Yiba picked up a wicket for 18 runs and two maidens in eight overs in the Premier League clash against Primrose. Green Point scored 205/10 in 42.2 overs and bowled out Primrose for 194 runs in 48.5 overs.
He has some words of inspiration for aspiring cricketers.
“Be positive. Never give up. Work on your specific skills, whether you bowl or bat. Try and speak to your coach and do bowling drills on the pitch not just in nets. Bowl the way you would bowl in a game. Preparation is vital, from your run-up to your follow-up. Build confidence because you have to be physically and mentally tough. If you are not mentally tough, setbacks will break you,” he said.
“In life, in particular sport, don’t give up. You must have a winning mentality and the desire to be a great example to the kids. Always find a way for what works for you,” he said.
Green Point will travel up to Cape Town Cricket Club for a nail-biting WPCA Premier League one-day clash on Saturday, February 17.
