Kruger van Wyk is one of a number of South African crickets who came to New Zealand for new opportunities. Soon those opportunities could extend to playing for the BLACKCAPS once he becomes eligible for selection in April 2010.
Van Wyk came to New Zealand four seasons ago to forward his cricketing career and he has built a name for himself with the Wizards side as being a handle batsman and wicketkeeper. In the 2007/08 season he became captain.
His goal was to focus on contributing to the side as much as possible. “I wanted to do really well for Canterbury. I want to perform for them and it’s something I really love and want to continue doing.”
It was a tough decision leaving South Africa and his family behind and the process behind becoming a New Zealand resident has been a long process. “It’s more than just getting on the plane and filling in some paperwork. There are lots of different things you have to get right before you become a resident,” he said. “I fell with making the decision to come to New Zealand was about commitment. Not just commitment to cricket, but becoming a kiwi in general and learning the culture and lifestyle.”
Van Wyk loves the lifestyle Christchurch offers and he hopes to make an impact not only in cricket. “I enjoy the lifestyle the people and the cricket here. But from day one I wanted to make a positive impact and contribution to the community.”
His goal - like any other First Class player - is to go on and represent New Zealand at an international level. “I’m no different to any other player in new Zealand. We all strive for that opportunity and hopefully the selectors feel I’m the right man for the job. That would be a massive honour for me.”
