Tsepo Ndwandwa’s latest sho’t left: It’s time to move on now

Tsepo NdwandwaTsepo Ndwandwa.

Tsepo Ndwandwa has been capped at first-class level by four teams in six years – and will likely add a fifth soon enough.

Ndwandwa has left the Warriors for the Lions ahead of South Africa’s 2023-24 domestic season. He will be accompanied by former Cape Cobras team-mate Zubayr Hamza, who is also joining the Lions.

Ndwandwa was the Warriors’ leading spinner during the 2022-2023 T20 Challenge, played just one match in the One Day Cup – and ended the 4-Day Domestic Series with an eight-wicket haul against Western Province at Newlands earlier this month.

The recruitment of fellow left-arm spinner Shaun Whitehead, from South Western Districts, might have jeopardised Ndwandwa’s pursuit of a relatively permanent berth in the Warriors XI during the 2023-24 season, regardless.

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“I had a really great time at the Warriors. I wish I could have had more,” Ndwandwa told Club Cricket SA.

“It came to that stage, where, sometimes, you have to stand up and make a choice for yourself. I had a great time, but it’s time to move on now.”

Ndwandwa’s homes away from home

Capped by the Cobras, Warriors and soon the Lions, the 27-year-old Ndwandwa has also played first-class cricket for Border and South Western Districts as well.

Arrival in Gauteng will continue a punctuated journey that started in East London, moved to Oudtshoorn, took a sho’t left to Cape Town before heading to Gqeberha.

“Having played at all those places brought great experiences. The different conditions all around really impacted my cricket,” added Ndwandwa.

“In playing in those places, I had to leave home and stay on my own – looking after myself and my cricket.

“Those were great experiences, but challenging at the start because it was far from home. I had to make sure I kept in contact with my family and take care of my own space – on and off the field.

“These experiences have helped me grow as a person and understand more about my cricket. It has been great playing all around.”

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