The player who only completed matric at St. Andrew’s School in Bloemfontein last year, will be representing the champions the Jozi Stars.

Coetzee who only turned 19-year-old at the beginning of October is currently in action against the Titans, in what is just the fourth first-class match of his career.

Before the 4-Day Domestic series match against the Titans at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein het was one of the leading wicket-takers during the first three rounds. He has however played white-ball cricket for the Knights when he debuted in T20 cricket towards the backend of the 2019/20 season.

Coetzee is set to become the fourth Knights player to represent the Stars in the T20 tournament, albeit, the MSL T20 only started last year.

Last season the former Knights and Proteas quick, Duanne Olivier, played for the Stars and he also finished the tournament as the leading wicket-taker. Despite Olivier not playing for the Proteas anymore due to his Kolpak contract in England, he will still represent the Stars in the MSL T20 this year.

The other player who played for the Stars in the Knights captain, Pite van Biljon, who was one of the teams’ standout batsman. He will, however, be playing for the Pretoria-based team the Tshwane Spartans this season.

The Proteas spinner, Eddie Leie, who has since left the Knights to return to the Lions, was also drafted by the Stars last season.

The current Proteas opening bowler, Kagiso Rabada, is the marquee player for the Stars, and Coetzee told OFM Sport that he cannot wait to play with some of the best fast bowlers in the world.

“I’m really really excited and I cannot what to play for the Jozi Stars, especially at the Wanderers. I’m excited to go to Jozi and play with guys like Rabada and Duanne who are both really good bowlers.”

Coetzee added that he has been tapping into the knowledge of his franchise skipper, Van Biljon, before heading to the Big Smoke.

“I have been asking for Pite for some tips here and there and according to him it’s a really awesome structure, so I can’t wait.”

OFM Sport has it on good authority that the Paarl Rocks were also interested in bringing Coetzee in as a rookie player. However, this didn’t pan out as and the Stars were able to snatch up the player.

According to the Free State and Proteas legend, Allan Donald, who recently worked with Coetzee, the youngster will be playing for the Proteas at international level in the next two years.

The Jozi Stars will play in the opening game of the 2019 MSL T20 when they host the Cape Town Blitz on 8 November at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport