Gerald Coetzee (pictured), aiming for a Proteas comeback after injuries and an IPL absence, seeks mentorship from Allan Donald at the Lions as he prepares for upcoming series against Australia and England. Picture: Shaun Roy
Image: Shaun Roy
One player who may have felt a tad surprised when his name was left off the Cricket SA (CSA) list of nationally contracted players for the new season is fast bowling allrounder Gerald Coetzee.
Though he has battled injury since the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India when he was becoming a fixture in the side, he made a return to the Proteas squad in their recent T20I series against hosts New Zealand.
Despite that inclusion, he does not seem to be a part of CSA’s immediate plans.
However, he was included on a list of ‘Players of national interest’.
His injuries over the last couple of years have seen him miss out on this season’s IPL, after appearing in both the 2024 and 2025 editions.
With big series coming up for the Proteas against Australia and England, Coetzee is hoping to put his name back in the hat as soon as possible.
“I think you've got to take it one step at a time and just look after my body, which is always the biggest challenge for people who bowl fast,” Coetzee told SportsBoom.co.za in an exclusive interview.
“It's definitely my goal to play, hopefully, in every one of those series, but I can't control that. So, the main focus is just to upskill, get better and stay fit.”
The 25-year-old went on to insist he’s completely injury-free at the moment.
“I’m not injured. I've been playing since SA20. So, currently I’m just preparing for whatever's next, whichever opportunity arises next.”
“But right now I'm strong and fit, working with good people, with good trainers, good physios. It's an everyday, full-time job to look after your body. But at the moment, it's all going well and God willing, it'll keep going well.”
Coetzee has also just made the move from the Titans to the Lions on the domestic scene. At the Lions he will work with head coach Russell Domingo, batting coach Hashim Amla and bowling coach Allan Donald.
I was just trying to make a good career decision to see where I can move, if I had to move, or stay. So, it was just a few questions I had to ask myself, and I think the Lions have a great environment,” said Coetzee.
“I think they have done really well, and they've got a really incredible management team all the way from the top to the coaches and incredible facilities."
“So, I think for a career move for cricket, it's an incredible move to work with guys like Russell and Allan. I'm very excited to move there and sad to leave the Titans as well at the same time.”