When Tshepo Moreki first joined the Cape Cobras a few seasons back, he played a supporting role to the likes of Rory Kleinveldt, Vernon Philander and Wayne Parnell, who were spearheaded the attack at the time.

As we enter the 2020/2021 season, Moreki makes his return to Newlands after finishing a year stint with the Titans. The 26-year-old is ready to take on a leading role in Ashwell Prince's squad.

Moreki was part of the SA Emerging side back in 2015 and was tipped as a fast bowler with great potential for higher honours. Despite, by his own admission, having a "decent" franchise career to date, having played 70 first-class matches, he is under no illusion that he needs to be competing at a level high enough to catch the eyes of the national selectors.

"My first stint at the Cobras was a huge learning experience for me," said Moreki, looking back on his first stint in the Cape.

"I came into a team which consisted of some legends of the game. With the likes of Rors, Parny, Vern, Putters, Stiaan, SA Engelbrecht, Richard Levi and Onters, every training session and match was a learning experience, you couldn’t help but absorb any information you could pick up on.

"Now, as I come back into the Cobras setup, I'm one of the more senior guys and I want to try and make an impact on the field and in the change room, especially with the guys who are playing only their first or second year of franchise cricket."

Looking ahead to his second stint at Newlands, Moreki is now into the prime of his career and he is not shying away from the responsibility that coach Prince will expect him to take on.

"I've got unfinished business at the Cobras, I feel like I owe the coaching team match-winning performances on a weekly basis. I think about the game differently and I want to take on a leading role in the bowling attack as well as adding value in cultivating a culture within the group.

"Ultimately, I want to play for South Africa and the only way to do that is to deliver for my franchise."

- Cape Cobras