Makhaya Ntini talks to the Kent website

Kent“s seam attack will look much stronger at Old Trafford tomorrow after the club completed the signing of South African legend Makhaya Ntini.

The fast bowler flew into Manchester airport earlier today and will make his debut in Kent’s LV= County Championship game against Lancashire at Manchester, starting tomorrow (Tuesday).

Talking to the club website at the team“s hotel, Ntini (pictured) said: “This is a great opportunity for me for so many reasons. After losing my place in the South Africa side, I am delighted to get this chance.

“Hopefully I can quickly get into a groove and show the selectors that I“m still capable of doing a good job and just what they“ve been missing.”

The 32 year-old is scheduled to stay for five weeks, up until Malinga Bandara arrives for the second half of the summer. He explains how the move came about: “I“ve got a very good agent, who looks around and he told me that Kent were on the hunt for a fast bowler. My name was put forward as I said I was keen to go and get another opportunity of playing county cricket.

“I enjoyed my spell with Warwickshire and was keen to get another go. Kent have given me that chance and I cannot wait to repay their faith. I“ve heard many good things about the club and cannot wait to get going in Kent colours.

“I“ve enjoyed my short time chatting to Paul (Farbrace), here at the hotel, and am looking forward to the team meeting and getting to know all of the boys.

“I“ve spoken to the likes of Justin Kemp and Wayne Parnell and they told me about the good spirit and the heritage at the club. I like to enjoy my cricket and work hard. Playing at Kent, with guys like Rob Key and Martin van Jaarsveld, will give me that opportunity,” he said.

Ntini will make his Kent debut on a ground he knows well, Old Trafford in Manchester: “I“ve played there lots of times and cannot wait to take to the field in my new Kent shirt. It will be a special day for me.

“When you play at Old Trafford, there is always a heavy duty to perform and it will be a difficult game, because they are a quality side, but we have lots of match winners in our team.

“I cannot wait to get out there. I don“t dwell on the past. I just cannot wait for the next day and tomorrow will be a good one for me because I“ll be making my Kent debut.”

The 32-year-old was dropped from the South Africa side during the Test series against England in the winter but has not given up hope of a return to international cricket: “Without doubt, there is unfinished business for me at international level. I only need ten more wickets to reach the magical 400 in Test cricket and I am desperate to reach that milestone.
I will only get another opportunity with South Africa if I perform well with Kent so that is something that I am keen to do.”

Picture: Sarah Ansell