Getting to know Obus – the new pro!

We announced back in September that we had signed South African, Obus Pienaar 

With games for the VKB Knights coming up, we caught up with the 2020 professional Obus Pienaar out in South Africa and asked him a few questions before his arrival in April. Needless to say, we are excited to welcome him to the club and will be great to see him in action.

How has the summer in South Africa gone for you?

It has been a really busy summer and my season has gone decently so far, starting with one day competition now in February, so will hopefully get more game time for the Knights.

What enticed you to come to the Lancashire League?

I have always wanted to play in the Lancashire League, as it has a good reputation and loads of South Africans play in the league, so when the opportunity came up I was quite keen to take it up.

What do you like about cricket in the UK?

Cricket in the UK has been a really great opportunity for me personally to travel and see different parts off the world, I really do enjoy the passion the English have for the game and the rich history most off the clubs have is brilliant.

What are your ambitions personally and for the team in the coming season?

Personally would really just love to help Lowerhouse compete for the league, building good friendships and score a lot of runs in different conditions.

Who is your cricketing hero?

AB De Villiers/Kevin Pietersen

What do you do when you aren’t playing cricket?

When I have time away from the game, I love the outdoors, fishing and so forth. Also like to hack the golf ball around, so would be nice to take some pounds off the guys on the golf course.

You’ve played with Francois before? You must remember that…

Ha, yes although he was young and fit back then, but looking forward to play with him again.

What would you be if you weren’t a cricketer?

 Who knows

Had you heard of Lowerhouse prior to joining us?

Yes it was actually the first club I signed for back in 2010 I think, but then I got injured and couldn’t come unfortunately. With Francois there I have spend some time at the club, which helps as I know a lot of people already.

Who’s the quickest bowler/best batter you’ve faced?

Morne Morkel and been lucky enough to play couple of games against Ab De Villers as well.

League pitches can be tricky and often in the past overseas players have struggled to adapt their batting. Are you confident you’ll adjust from the tracks back home?
Yeah I think thats always the challenge to adapt quickly to the conditions, My previous experiences in the UK should help me to hopefully have a good season.

You’re currently still playing Franchise, is it an ambition to keep playing for as long as you can? What’s in store for Obus Pienaar looking into the future and the next few years? 

I really do love the game and the body is still feeling good, so hopefully I can still play for a long time.

Thanks for chatting to us Obus – catch up soon!