Still bowling for his dreams: Kyle’s Simmonds journey from Maties to the big leagues

His body might not always agree, but in his heart, Kyle Simmonds (31) still believes he has what it takes to represent his country on the international cricket stage.

“I might already be 31 years old,” Kyle says with a laugh, “but in my heart I feel there’s still time to play for the Proteas… although there are days when my body doesn’t quite feel the same!”

During his time as a Maties student-athlete, Kyle not only represented Maties Cricket, but also Boland. Before moving to Pretoria in 2019 to launch his professional career, he played for Boland in the 2016 and 2018 Africa T20 Cup tournaments amongst others. In 2021, he joined Western Province and immediately made his mark.

In his debut season for Western Province, Kyle walked away with three major awards at the annual awards evening: Four-Day Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year, and the prestigious Player of the Year. That same year, he was also nominated as Cricket South Africa’s Domestic Newcomer of the Year

Kyle completed his BCom in Management Sciences at Stellenbosch University.

“It took me a little longer than the planned three years,” he admits. “But I believe it was part of the learning process, figuring out how to find balance as a student-athlete. From the very start, it was necessary to live a balanced life. I had to find a way to attend all my classes, play cricket for Maties, and of course enjoy my time as a student in Stellenbosch. Even later in life, there still has to be a balance between work and play.”

While other students could use their weekends to catch up on studies or prepare for tests, Simmonds and his cricket teammates spent their entire Saturdays and Sundays on the cricket fields of the Boland.

“On Saturday you play in Robertson, and on Sunday in Hermanus. The schedule could get pretty intense. There really wasn’t any time for studying on weekends like that.”

Times like those, and especially the Varsity Sports T20 tournaments in Potchefstroom, gave Kyle an early taste of professional cricket.

“The Varsity Sports T20 tournaments were some of my best times with Maties Cricket,” he recalls. “The stadiums were packed with enthusiastic students and other cricket lovers. There were daily matches, sometimes even double headers. Recovery time was precious and had to be managed smartly. I think it’s fair to say those tournaments were my first real exposure to what professional cricket at a higher level would feel like.”

Now entering his fifth season with Western Province, Kyle has been named captain for both the T20 Challenge and the One-Day Cup. In the SA20, South Africa’s answer to the Indian Premier League, he has already represented the Super Kings and the Pretoria Capitals.

“I’m also a semi-professional golfer when I have the time!” Kyle says with a broad smile.

For aspiring student-athletes, Kyle offers this advice: “You’re going to have to learn very quickly how to maintain balance. There are those 6 am gym sessions after a night out with friends, the limited study time when others are catching up or preparing for exams over weekends,  and you still need to give your best on the field.”

Stellenbosch and Maties will always hold a special place in Kyle’s heart.

“I can’t imagine studying at any other university. There are so many people at Maties Sport I need to thank for helping me get to where I am in my cricket career today.”