Justin Kemp admits he never realised his full potential as an international cricketer.
South Africa’s Player of the Year in 2007 says doubting his ability was his biggest downfall.
“Look, when I think back on my career, there were good times and bad times,” said Kemp.
“I can’t change the past, but if I could, I would have done things different, like believing in myself more. I got the chance to play for the Proteas in all three formats, that was rewarding, but I should have kicked on and had a longer playing career at the highest level.
“Had I trusted myself more, and had more time to learn, I believe things would have worked out better for me. But, in the final analysis, I had a good career.”
Kemp made his Test debut in 2001 against Sri Lanka and went on to play four Tests.
The all-rounder, renowned for his aggressive batting style and power hitting, went on to play 85 one-day internationals and eight T20 matches (averaged 50.75).
But while his international career appears to have come to an end, the 34-year-old all-rounder still enjoys a successful career at domestic level as captain of the Cape Cobras franchise.
His arrival from the Titans (where he was captain) to the Cape in 2007/8 has seen the Cape side transformed into a champion team under his captaincy.
“What Justin has been able to achieve with the Cobras is immeasurable,” said coach Richard Pybus. “The vast experience he has gained playing throughout the world is proving invaluable to the team’s cause.
“He is able to take that experience and turn it into wisdom to help his players. The example he sets at practice by preparing well rubs off on the rest of the squad. He is also not shy to communicate his wishes and aspirations to the players.
“And his ability to get the players to play as a team is a rare attribute. His job is made easier by the fact that most of the players have been there and done it.
“The fact that he keeps things simple helps as well. He’s a selfless guy; he has no problem putting the team ahead of his own ambitions in terms of on-field contributions to the cause.”
“I guess I had good teachers to learn from throughout my career,” said Kemp. “In my days with Eastern Province I could call on the advice from experienced campaigners such as Kepler Wessels, Dave Callaghan and Mark Rushmere.
“I think today it is of vital importance that talented players working their way through the ranks are given the right guidance… I could have done with it in my prime years.”
Kemp has adopted a simple philosophy in terms of his captaincy style.
“The guys know where they stand with me,” he said. “I hate to lose, that’s a fact. In order to be the best, one has to give of his best. Therefore it is of vital importance that each and every member of the squad understands their role. Performance is paramount.
“Non-performance must be dealt with, whether the players like it or not. But it must be done in a diplomatic manner.
“I am a lucky guy though. I have a great bunch of guys around me who make my job that much easier. I am also proud that we have a number of players progressing through to the Proteas in the three different formats – JP Duminy Vernon Philander, Richard Levi, Justin Ontong (T20 and one-day), Rory Kleinveldt, Robin Petersen...
“That’s excluding players like Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis and Mark Boucher. Now it’s about making sure the Cobras become the best domestic team in the country. It’s a work in progress, but what we’ve been able to achieve since 2009 (four domestic titles in all formats) means we’re on the right track.”