Proteas all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo is delighted to have been rewarded with the spot of South African marquee player for the Durban Heat for the upcoming Mzansi Super League.

Phehlukwayo will join a number of local players in the Durban Heat squad, with the likes of David Miller, Khaya Zondo, Keshav Maharaj, Rob Frylinck, Prenelan Subrayen and Daryn Dupavillon all in the team for the competition.

Having spent the first edition of the competition with the Cape Town Blitz, Phehlukwayo is happy that he will call Durban his base.

‘I am really looking forward to being based at home in front of my home crowd,’ the talented Phehlukwayo said.

‘There is a lot of work for us to do and we want to help grow the game of cricket in Durban and the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

‘I don’t see being selected as the marquee player as too much pressure, I just want to come out here and execute winning performances for the Durban Heat throughout the competition.’

The Durban Heat have the services of former World Cup-winning coach Gary Kirsten at the helm and Phehlukwayo cannot wait to link up with him and learn as much as possible in the month and a half they will have together this year.

‘I think it is going to be unbelievable working with such an experienced coach. Working with someone who has been there and got the achievements is going to be hugely rewarding,’ added Phehulkwayo.

‘I am willing to learn as much as I can and I am sure that he has some advice that is going to help me going forward to improve me as a cricketer.

‘I will touch base with him both intellectually and from a cricketing perspective.’

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