Cape Cobras coach Ashwell Prince has paid a heartfelt tribute to Proteas debutant Pieter Malan for his perseverance in making it to the top.

Malan, the 30-year-old opening batsman who has toiled in South African domestic cricket for 13 years, will make his international debut against England in the second Test that got underway on Friday.

With South Africa bowling first, though, Malan will have to wait a little longer for his big moment as he comes in to replace the injured Aiden Markram.

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Prior to the start of the second Test, Malan’s coach at the Cobras posted a message wishing him well, and which put his career in perspective.

 

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The cutthroat nature of professional sport had seen @pieterm87 lose his 1st professional contract in his early 20’s. Many would have thrown in the towel, but he persevered for years in semi-pro cricket on what can quite frankly only be described as a mediocre salary/living. But he never gave up on his dream, kept grafting away at it, day in day out, working as hard as if not harder than anyone in this country at becoming the best that he can possibly be. I can’t think of anyone more deserving. On behalf of everyone @cobrascricket we wish you all the best on your Test debut @pieterm87 Enjoy it fella. ?? #nevergiveup

A post shared by Ashwell Prince (@ashyp_5) on Jan 2, 2020 at 10:19pm PST