Betway SA20 Auction pick gives Celes career timely boost

Paceman is a member of the Sunrisers Eastern Cape team, the reigning champions, for Season 3.

Thursday, October 3, 2024: Any young fast bowler looking for motivation need only look no farther than Okuhle Cele, the new paceman for the Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

The 27-year-old was at the prime of his powers when he gained a debut call-up to the Proteas Men’s T20I team for a visit to Pakistan back in 2021.

However, Cele sustained serious injuries in the aftermath and missed more than a year and a half of action while recovering, rather than using it as a launching pad for his career. 

Cele, who had been one of the nation's most promising fast bowlers since making his first-class debut as a teenager straight out of Glenwood High School, decided to go back to his roots and rejoin the Dolphins after being cut by the Titans.

Devoted to a successful return, Cele dedicated the entire winter of 2023 to training with the SA Emerging XI and the Cricket SA National Academy. He also extended his pre-season workouts to ensure that his body was in top physical shape for his return to competition. 

Cele's 2023–24 season was injury-free thanks to his perseverance and hard work. He went on to have outstanding performances in all formats, including leading the Dolphins in the CSA T20 Challenge with 17 wickets at an average of 19.88 and an economy of 8.14.

After that, Cele received recognition at the end-of-season Dolphins Awards as the CSA T20 Challenge Player of the Year, Players' Player of the Year, and Player of the Year.

Cele's arrival to the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, the two-time Betway SA20 winners, was quickly acknowledged during Tuesday's auction in Cape Town. 

"I was alone myself at home watching the auction. I mean, it was kind of weird. Cele, whose favorite superhero is Spider-Man, said, "Should I scream or should I stay silent?"

I feel a little overburdened. It took me by surprise. Since the auction is akin to a game of chance, I was optimistic. So, when my name was mentioned, I was like ‘please may I come in here?’

And I'm incredibly appreciative that I was fortunate enough to get into the Sunrisers.

"I received a call from my brother. The first person to call me was him. He was ecstatic about me. The family then gave a call as well.

Cele, who is from Durban, is thrilled to be moving to Gqeberha to join the rising Sunrisers team. There, he will reunite with good friends Ottneil Baartman and Andile Simelane.

It was always the Sunrisers for me. The Super Giants of Durban would have also been a great addition, since I am obviously from Durban," he remarked.

However, I believe that the Sunrisers, simply the people present...

"My teammates in Durban, Ottneil and Andile Simelane, are people I know." They are decent people. With my team, I'm content.

They are a squad that has achieved success as well. I therefore have an obligation to fulfill if given the chance.

Cele claims he is eager to charge into St. George's Park with the renowned brass band roaring in support.

He remarked, "You know, we don't get as big crowds with our regular domestic cricket as we do with SA20, so I think the experience of playing in front of big crowds is big for the younger guys."

It goes without saying that it is a great honor for us to be among the international and foreign players.

"Within the stadium, it's evident that the band plays a significant role. I'm excited to perform in front of one of South Africa's greatest audiences. I'm ecstatic.

On January 9, 2025, Sunrisers Eastern Cape and the Orange Army will play MI Cape Town at St George's Park to kick off Season 3 of the league.

Remarks

Complete List of SA20 Auction Purchases on Betway
 

MI Cape Town: Reeza Hendricks (R4.3m), Colin Ingram (R175 000); Dane Piedt (R175 000) Tristan Luus (Rookie)

Pretoria Capitals: Evin Lewis (R1.5m), Marques Ackerman (R800 000), Kyle Simmons (R175 000), Keegan-Lion Cache (Rookie)

Paarl Royals: Rubin Hermann (R175 000) Dewan Marais (Rookie)

Joburg Super Kings: Wihan Lubbe (R175 000), Evan Jones (R175 000) Doug Bracewell (R175 000), JP King (Rookie)

Sunrisers Eastern Cape: Okuhle Cele (R175 000), Richard Gleeson (R2.3m), Daniel Smith (Rookie)

Durban’s Super Giants: Shamar Joseph (R425 000), CJ King (Rookie)