The journey of David Wiese from playing for South Africa to Namibia

(Cricket news) David Wiese started off on his cricketing journey in South Africa playing in the domestic circuit. Born to a Namibian father, Weise qualifies to represent both nations as he has represented South Africa in 2016 and now will again play in the World Cup but this time for Namibia. He has represented South Africa in 6 ODI’s and 20 T20’s scoring 194 runs and picking up 33 wickets in the process.

A man who has played franchise cricket all over the world brings a tremendous amount of experience in the Namibian set up. His last international was in March 2016 before he signed a Kolpak deal with Sussex in 2017 which subsequently meant that he wouldn’t be able to play international cricket anymore. Weise was brought into the Namibian squad by the strong South African contingent in the back room staff coached by Albie Morkel and Pierre de Bruyn. 

David Wiese when asked about his representation for Namibia said, “ It was always something that was in the back of my mind, but then I started playing for the Titans and got picked for the Proteas and it kind of fell away. And after playing for South Africa I would have had to wait four years to play for Namibia. So while the thought has always been there I'd be lying if I said I expected to be here. I never thought I would actually end up using my Namibian passport. We are underdogs of note, and I think everybody has written us off. But what I've gathered from the Namibian side is that's almost the way they like it." 

Also read: Pace attack seeming to be the weapon for South Africa in the ICC T20 World Cup

Wiese on the Kolpak contract said, “The Kolpak era ended on January 1, and several previously vilified figures have since returned to the South African domestic fold. For CSA it's probably a good thing because they won't be losing so many players. From a UK point of view, the Kolpak rule strengthened the county circuit. They can't say we just went there and didn't do anything. We made their players better by playing against them. Now what? Could we get back into the system at CSA? Have too many bridges already been burnt? I'd like to think there is still a place for us in the South African set-up. Whether there's too much animosity towards us for deserting and going away, or whatever, we'll have to wait and see. I'd like to think there's a bigger picture. Last year Andrew Breetzke [the chief executive of the South African Cricketers' Association] got in touch with us and said they want to sit down with the Kolpak guys and mend fences so we could play domestically again to add experience and almost help out. I'd love to play another season in South Africa. The Titans will always be close to my heart and I'll always consider them my home team”.

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