Exclusive: Gerald Coetzee aims for a spot in South Africa’s team for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy

South African fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has been a part of the Proteas men’s teams that have had recent achievements in World Cup cricket, and he wants to be a part of the squad that will be attempting to win their second Champions Trophy next year.

A painful past

The Proteas have a rich history in the game of cricket; they have achieved a lot in all forms of the game since their readmission in 1991, and they have continued to consistently maintain their status as one of the best teams in the world.

They have, however, struggled to shake off the monkey that has been on their back throughout their existence, and they have had to cling on to hope as they continue the search for glory.

They had their fate in their hands earlier this year, through their maiden T20 World Cup final against India, and needing only 25 off 27 balls to win with five wickets still remaining, they somehow missed out by seven runs.

Shortfalls and an opportunity for glory

Currently locked in battle against Sri Lanka, with Pakistan to follow after, their route to the final of the World Test Championship is in their hands, and Coetzee believes South Africa is not far off from their glory days.

The right-arm fast bowler told Sportsboom.com that the recent rise for South Africa in ICC tournaments is down to the balance between good coaching and the good mix of youth and experience in the system, and he also wants to be part of South Africa's team for next year's Champions Trophy.

“It would be an honour to be a part of the Champions Trophy team. I am always working hard to improve and become a better cricketer wherever I play.” 

“It is an exciting tournament, and to get the privilege to represent South Africa will require me to keep working continuously.”

“The biggest significance in our recent success has been the talented pool of players with really good coaching.”

“It has been a great combination and also a great mix of experience with players that have played for a long time, and they have really mastered their craft, and young players that are stepping up to the occasion.”

“We did well in recent tournaments purely because of playing good cricket. As a country, we want to win the World Cup, but we also want to be consistently good, and I think that is a fair assessment of what we are trying to achieve as the South African cricket team.”

The impact of the SA20

Coetzee believes the SA20 has also played a huge role in the development of young talent, and for as long as it's around, it will continue to feed the system and empower South African cricket as a whole.

“The SA20, our local franchise players, are upskilling, and it will be to the benefit of South African cricket.”

“The tournament is crucial, and it has added a lot of value; we have already seen the fruits and benefits of it in our cricket in the first two editions.”

Lessons from the IPL

Coetzee will be moving on to the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, and he moves on after being part of the Mumbai Indians family for the 2024 season. His ten matches produced 13 wickets in his only season with the former champions.

“Being a part of the Mumbai Indians has helped in a sense of playing in different conditions against good cricketers who are accustomed mostly to those conditions.”

“Playing alongside players who have exceptional skill and learning from them, and also being in an environment that is very professional, and all those things combined, is a recipe to become a better cricketer.”

On a lighter note, the 24-year-old was calm throughout the interview, and when asked about his energetic celebrations after picking up wickets, he had this to say:

“I am calm because in this conversation, I don't have to be competitive.”

“In competition, you often know that it's either you or that person coming out on top, and I like the idea of just being the best but also being humble enough to know that sometimes I will not be.”