Photo Credit: Cricket South Africa
The South Africa (SA) Under 19 Men’s cricket team has assembled a formidable squad for the Cricket South Africa (CSA) T20 Knock Out Competition.
The young men were drafted in Pool A in Pietermaritzburg, against Eastern Storm, AET Tuskers, and Mpumalanga Rhinos.
With much grit and resilience, the team won all their pool matches and secured two bonus point victories to top the log. The SA U19 will now face Eastern Cape Iinyathi in the second semi-final on Saturday afternoon.
The team’s participation in this tournament is to kickstart preparations for the 2024 ICC U19 Men’s World Cup. This process seeks to provide opportunities to develop players, preparing them for the world stage.
“This competition will provide crucial learnings for this young team. They get to experience knockout matches, how to deal with the pressure of a knockout match and what is expected thereof. These elements are vital in the development of young players and elite athletes,” commented SA U19 Men’s Head Coach, Shukri Conrad.
Conrad also commented on the hopes that his side continues where they left off and go all the way in East London.
“Our planning and preparation came together well in Pietermaritzburg. We played to our true potential and received the good results. We will have a similar approach going into the semi-final, ensuring that all bases are covered for the boys to challenge themselves to their best.
“The biggest thing for the team at this point is the self-belief, believing that they can go into the senior tournaments and that they belong within the professional ranks. They must not be overwhelmed by their opponents or the possibility of playing a professional final and winning it,” Conrad continued.
“This achievement has been a memorable success already. The boys have elevated themselves in not only their cricket but also their mentality in becoming professional cricketers. Not everyone will go on to achieve that and I believe they have an understanding of what is required to become a professional in this game.”
Conrad also shared his views on the #EndGBV campaign, citing that cricket and sport in general have never been played in isolation.
“This is a massive undertaking for me as a father and as a husband. I am grateful to CSA for the continuous education around issues facing our society today.
“We want to be at the forefront of driving the change as the SA U19 Men’s team. We are in a position where we can shape young minds to do better, and we will do our best to ensure that we use our platforms to create a safe society for women and children in this country,” concluded Conrad.
SA U19 MEN’S SQUAD FOR T20KO:
George Van Heerden © (Boland), Liam Alder (Lions Cricket), Matthew Boast (Titans Cricket), Abdullah Bayoumy (Western Province), Schalk Engelbrecht (Titans Cricket), Thebe Gazedi (Lions Cricket), Ronan Hermann (Lions Cricket), Juan James (Western Province), Kwena Maphaka (Lions Cricket), Dewan Marais (Easterns), Aphiwe Mnyanda (Eastern Province), Meeka-eel Prince (Western Province), Richard Seletswane (Lions Cricket), David Teeger (Lions Cricket), Liyema Waqu (Western Province)
Management: Shukri Conrad (Head Coach), Blanche Conradie (Manager), Thabang Kumalo (Ass.Coach), Esther Bhengu (Physio), Kyle Southgate (Analyst), Curtly Diesel (Fitness Trainer), Kruger Van Wyk (Fielding Coach).
