Black South African cricketer wants to play for England

A black South African cricketer, Siphe Mzaidume, wants to play for England as he believes the South African system does not favour black players.

He qualifies to play for England in June and hopes that he will get the opportunities he was denied, despite the quota system in South Africa.

The 24-year-old fast bowler from Port Alfred in the Eastern Cape has played league cricket in England since 2010 and hopes to emulate fellow South African-born Kevin Pietersen by playing for their national side, Sport24 reports.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Mzaidume said the quota system in South Africa looks like favouring black players, but it does not.

He further pointed out that people in high places say they are looking out for black players, but they are not, and added black players do not get the breaks they deserve.

Mzaidume feels that black African players are being deliberately overlooked because those in positions of power do not show any faith in them.

During his time in South Africa, Mzaidume played provincial cricket for Eastern Province at Under-13, 15 and 17 level before playing for Border at Under-19 level.