DFA Sports Reporter Danie van der Lith continues his series that has been introducing the NC Heat Cricket team to our readers – this week, we meet the team’s analyst Jonathan Malan.
Jonathan ‘Jonno’ Malan
33 years old, born in Windhoek, Namibia
Your nickname? Jonno
What inspired you to pursue a career as a cricket analyst? I want to give back to the game by sharing all my knowledge about cricket and trusting everyone I work with to set up the perfect plan and execute it to win cricket games.
What other sports do you enjoy aside from cricket? Football, Formula 1, rugby, and golf
What do you believe is the most important aspect of your role in contributing to the team’s success? To make sure the information about the opposition is correct, I need to analyse all the videos that I need to analyse to work out what the best game plan is to get the better of the opposition batsmen and bowlers.
Are there any specific strategies or techniques you use to help players reach their full potential? Study every player’s weaknesses and strengths. Look at games and videos and give feedback to coaches regarding anything that they could implement in coaching to improve our players.
Could you provide insights into your role in the team’s training regimen and preparation for matches? When I analyse videos, I look at the opposition’s strengths and weaknesses and provide up-to-date stats and information to the coaching staff and players.
Are there any individuals who have influenced you? Yes, F1 Red Bull Boss, Christian Horner
What motivates you the most about being part of this team? To see all the hard work the players put in on a daily basis come off when they perform well on the field, the hard work the staff put in, and just being part of this wonderful team and culture.
Your biggest sporting hero outside of cricket? Simon Malan
Favourite Book? Prisoner of Birth — Jeffery Archer
Favourite series: Prison Break
Hamburger, pizza, or fried chicken? Fried chicken
Is there a quote that keeps you going when times get tough? ‘Fake it until you make it!’
