Christi Viljoen's a Namibian international who now does his thing for Otago, so he answered some questions for us.

Walk us through your thought process of moving to Aotearoa...

I've always had the dream of playing cricket at the highest level and wanted to give myself the best opportunity to reach that dream. Neil Wagner's move to NZ in some way inspired me to make NZ my home and Otago seemed like the logical choice.

How did you end up playing for Otago?

I spent three days with the lads in Hamilton during a Plunket Shield game and really loved their professionalism and love for the game. The communication from Otago Cricket was also exceptional and when they presented me with an opportunity I took it with both hands.

How would you describe cricket in Namibia to kiwis like me who don't associate Namibia with developing talented cricketers?

In Namibia we were fortunate enough to play in the South African First-Class competition so there was always a decent standard of cricket to be played, as well as the Intercontinental Cup and Pepsi World Cricket League against the likes of Ireland and Afghanistan.

What was the biggest challenge in adjusting to kiwi domestic cricket as an all-rounder?

One of the biggest challenges at first was that there were a lot more competition for playing spots but I think it's only a good thing. The lads made fitting in really easy so I guess I was quite lucky.

What do you consider to be your strengths as a seam bowler?

Patience is probably my biggest strength along with the ability to swing the ball and an indifferent action, that probably counts in my favour.

And your strengths as a batsman?

I believe I've got a good technique, that puts me in good stead in tough situations along with the ability to score quite freely once I'm in my groove.

What is your favourite format to play and why?

It has to be the 4-day stuff. In my opinion it's the purest form and it's where real skill is measured. The other two are still high on my list though and they are probably a good way to prolong a career.

Are there any training drills/skills that you do every training session, if so what are they and why do you do them?

A few medicine-ball slams just to fire up the body and be ready.

What was the best advice you got as a young cricketer in Namibia/South Africa?

To always have fun and 'never stop improving' is probably my mantra.

How do you keep yourself busy away from cricket?

I love a bit of golf and we are lucky enough to have a really good relationship with The Balmacewan golf course so that helps. I also love a spot of fishing

Which domestic cricket ground does the best lunch in Aotearoa?

Without a doubt the University Oval. Especially on day one of a Plunket Shield game when we get a thing we dubbed 'beef through a straw'.

What's you favourite food from Africa that you miss the most?

Definitely Biltong.

What's your favourite food in Aotearoa?

Probably a naughty one, but it has to be Whittaker's hazelnut chocolate

As someone who is relatively new to kiwi domestic cricket, how do you assess domestic cricket in Aotearoa?

I think the standard is world-class and there is definitely a good mixture of young and experienced players in most teams which makes the transition into teams for younger players a lot easier.