South Africa U19s (SA U19s) head coach Malibongwe Maketa has a clear focus for the upcoming tour to Bangladesh, to gain confidence in subcontinent conditions as preparations get underway for the 2024 ICC U19 Men’s World Cup.
The 15-player squad head to Bangladesh on Sunday for a five-match 50-over series, starting on Thursday, 06 July in Khulna.
And while Maketa is wary of the threat Bangladesh poses in their home conditions, he believes this tour will also provide the opportunity for his players to get used to the pressure of playing at international level, albeit age-group cricket.
“A tour like this is massive for us,” he commented. “We would like to expose our young players to subcontinent conditions and with the World Cup going to be played in Sri Lanka next year, this is a great opportunity for us to identity where the learning needs to occur.
“Bangladesh is a really good team at under-19 level, and will test us, there is no doubt about that. We have seen their senior national team make great gains in recent years and it is clear that this is their feeder team. So, they will offer us a great challenge that will hopefully help us grow as a team.”
Maketa is also pleased with the squad that has been assembled by the tourists for the trip.
“When it comes to the squad, there is a lot of growth that needs to happen between now and the World Cup and we have a few boxes that need to be ticked as we go from school cricket to the intensity of elite under-19 level,” he said. “The talent is there, it’s just about fast tracking the understanding of game plans and our approach to fielding.”
One player who carries the experience of playing in the subcontinent at a higher level is Lions seamer Kwena Maphaka. The 17-year-old recently made his South Africa ‘A’ and first-class debut in the second four-day match against Sri Lanka last month.
Maketa continued: “Kwena is an exciting young player for the country and we’re really excited to have him lead our bowling attack. His experience with SA ‘A’ will hold him in good stead given that he’s already been to the subcontinent and his experience goes a long way in terms of uplifting the rest of the bowling attack because he’s talking from a point of experience.”
Meanwhile, the coaching staff is bolstered by the addition of former Proteas spinner Paul Adams. The 46-year-old, who has a combined 49 international caps, joins the set-up as a consultant to the junior Proteas.
“Paul is a big plus for us,” the coach concluded. “Spin plays a massive role in the subcontinent and having his experience as a spinner and having played in the subcontinent numerous times, it will assist our young players to absorb as much as they can from his experience.
“Just the small things of gripping the ball with sweaty palms, which will hopefully give us an added advantage in terms of executing from ball one when we get there.”
SA U19s Men’s squad against Bangladesh
Liam Alder (Warriors), Esa Gangat (Eastern Province), Thebe Gazide (Lions), Bennie Hansen (Western Province), Juan James (Western Province), Tristan Luus (Titans), Kwena Maphaka (Lions), Dewan Marias (Easterns), Romashan Pillay (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal), Sipho Potsane (Lions), Lhuan-dre Pretorius (Lions), Richard Seletswane (Lions), David Teeger (Lions), Johnathan van Zyl (KwaZulu-Natal Inland) and Oliver Whitehead (Western Province).
Non-traveling reserves
Martin Khumalo (Easterns), Riley Norton (Boland) and Ntando Zuma (KwaZulu-Natal Inland).
Management
Malibongwe Maketa (Head Coach), Blanche Conradie (Team Manager), Thabang Kumalo (Fielding Coach), Justin Sammons (Batting Coach), Paul Adams (bowling consultant), Curtly Diesel (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Sheenagh Jordaan (Physiotherapist) and Kyle Southgate (Performance Analyst).
Tour Itinerary
Thursday, 06 July
Bangladesh U19s vs South Africa U19s at Sans in Khulna
Sunday, 09 July
Bangladesh U19s vs South Africa U19s at Sans in Khulna
Tuesday, 11 July
Bangladesh U19s vs South Africa U19s at Sans in Khulna
Friday, 14 July
Bangladesh U19s vs South Africa U19s at SKS in Rajshahi
Monday, 17 July
Bangladesh U19s vs South Africa U19s at SKS in Rajshahi
