CSA director of cricket Enoch Nkwe says globetrotting Dewald Brevis’ heart is in South Africa.

The 19-year-old star is currently playing for the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the Caribbean Premier League, having represented the Mumbai Indians in the IPL.

But Nkwe says Brevis – who has yet to be called up by the Proteas – remains committed to the South African game.

“Domestic cricket is important and we’ll always encourage a player to play domestic cricket,” Nkwe told Sport24. “He’s been exposed to different forms of cricket and environments. He played for the Titans earlier this year, so at least that process has started.

“His heart is here and he wants to play for South Africa. He understands that it may take a season or a couple of more months.

“We’re not short-sighted and it’s not like we’re not aware of what is happening in his space. There’s regular engagement.

“I can’t wait for him to come back from the Caribbean Premier League so we can meet with him and see where he’s at.”

Nkwe insists youngsters like Brevis and Tristan Stubbs (who played in the IPL and The Hundred this year) won’t be lost to South African cricket.

“Our system in South Africa will produce that level of quality cricketer and they won’t stop,” Nkwe said.

“We’ll have a 19-year-old that goes to a World Cup, from where in a space of six months, they make the transition to playing for the Proteas.

“We’ve seen it, but the key is to support the player and ensure the base is solid.”