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Cape Town - Proteas middle-order batsman Temba Bavuma says it's good to be "home" after joining the Cape Cobras in the 2017/18 season.
"Cape Town is home," said Bavuma.
"That is where everything started for me and the Highveld Lions always knew I harboured ambitions to head back to the Cape. This will complete the circle for me.
"The Cape Cobras are a team in transition and It will be great to help them get back to winning ways," said the Langa-born star.
Bavuma, 26, has played 20 Test matches for the Proteas and his fielding has evolved most markedly.
"I think I was a bit of a lazy fielder before. In terms of my batting, I have become a lot tighter defensively and in attack," he added.
Bavuma scored 64 and 89 against the Black Caps in March and produced a 160-run partnership with Quinton de Kock to set up a Test win for the Proteas in Wellington.
"I am not entirely happy with how it went. I could have converted more scores. When you have entrenched yourself at the crease, you could and should go on and make three figures," said Bavuma.
"My aim for the season is to convert more scores of 50 to centuries. I also want to be more consistent."
A turning point of Bavuma's career came in 2014 when he shared in a partnership of 343 with Rilee Rossouw at Townsville against Australia 'A' and Bavuma scored 162.
"I was not entirely certain about myself before that innings and it definitely boosted my self-belief and the confidence that I can play at that level," he said.
Bavuma scored a career-best Test score of 102 against England at the New Year's Test in 2016.
Talking about the Cobras, Bavuma says that when he surveys the top-seven, he perceives the batting unit as one that can transfer massive first-innings pressure to opposing teams.
The presence of young players like Zubayr Hamza and Jason Smith also indicates the depth of the squad.
Bavuma will provide the Cobras the technical knowledge of the batting game and his vast experience - having shared a dressing room with players like Stephen Cook and Neil McKenzie.
When he is at his best, Bavuma is a sight to behold and expect Newlands to lure more spectators through the turnstiles when he is playing.
