Head coach Lawrence Mahatlane has welcomed the participation of several South Africa Under-19 cricketers during this month’s Provincial T20 Cup.

Captain Bryce Parsons will play for the Central Gauteng Lions, who are the reigning champions after beating Border in last year’s final.

The talented Andre Louw and Khanya Cotani will play for the Northern Cape and North West, respectively.

Fast bowlers Achille Cloete (Boland), Siya Plaatjie (Western Province), Jarred Jardine (Northerns), Tiaan van Vuuren (Eastern Province), Pheko Moletsane (Free State) and Lifa Ntanzi (KwaZulu-Natal Inland) will compete in the 15-team tournament, which used to be called the Africa T20 Cup.

‘It’s pleasing to see the direction CSA has taken, asking provinces to play at least one under-19 during the T20 competition because it’s about trying to bridge the gap between schoolboy cricket and professional cricket,’ said Mahatlane.

‘One of the key positives is to expose them to the professional environments, playing with the franchise and senior provincial cricketers, and getting them the exposure they need out in the middle.

‘The crucial thing is spending time learning as much as possible. In preparation for this tournament, the players have been part of the nets and the whole preparation and we hope they start understanding what it takes to be a professional cricketer.

‘For me, it’s all about exposure. The players can learn from some of the pros on how to manage their time, we know a lot of the players have their matric exams coming up, how to be a professional and make sure that you live a balanced life as they prepare for what will be a highlight for most of their careers.’

The Provincial T20 Cup will feature several Proteas, too, including all-rounder Robbie Frylinck, wicketkeeper-batsman Mangaliso Mosehle and seamer Dane Paterson.

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