Kwena Maphaka and Steve Stolk are relishing the prospect of a home World Cup.
The 2024 U19 World Cup will start on Friday in Bloemfontein and Potchefstroom, with the tournament set to run from 19 January to 11 February.
Both players are expected to play key roles for South Africa, who are drawn in Group B alongside England, Scotland and the West Indies – their opening opposition at the JB Marks Oval.
For Maphaka, one of the nation’s finest fast bowling prospects, it will be a second tournament after the 17-year-old featured for the Junior Proteas at the last edition held in the Caribbean two years ago. But there is nothing better for him than a home World Cup.
“The mood in the camp is very good and the boys are very excited,” he said. “There are a bit of nerves too, but it’s a good thing to have before an occasion as momentous as this, so we’re looking forward to it.
“Playing at home is obviously something really nice to have. Everyone knows the conditions quite well and you’ve got people here that really back you.
“You can have your friends and family come over, you’ve got people that you know right there, watching live, so it just adds on to the privilege of being at a World Cup.”
For opening batter Stolk (17) there is nothing better than what lies ahead for Malibongwe Maketa and his charges over the next three weeks.
“I’m really excited to be representing my country in a home World Cup, there is honestly no better opportunity and honour as a young cricketer,” he said. “A home World Cup is obviously special and I think we do have an advantage. We look forward to South Africans coming out in numbers and supporting us, this is one of the biggest benefits.”
Both players are also looking forward to dominating their disciplines as they try to help South Africa win a second World Cup crown, the last being in 2014.
“I’m feeling quite good,” said Maphaka, who has taken 12 wickets in his last three outings. “It’s obviously very exciting to be back for my second campaign.
“I can’t really say too much about my personal goals, it’s something I like to keep to myself before a tournament and rather speak about them after the tournament once the dust settles, also on whether I achieved them or not. So I’m just looking to contribute to the team and hopefully I can help us on our way to a World Cup.”
Stolk has also played well in recent weeks, helping the South Africans reach the final of the Tri-Series against India.
“I’m feeling in quite good touch,” he said. “But that I feel is very much a mental thing; I need to ensure I keep a clear mind and have my options in place.”
Naturally with any home World Cup come expectations – expectations from fans, coaches, players and everyone who know sport. Maphaka feels they are ready to live up to them.
“Everyone knows their expectations and everyone’s clear on what they need to do,” he said. “So the expectation really is just to go out there and do your job, and if everyone does that, I think we’re going to go really far in this tournament and we definitely have a shot at winning the World Cup.”
SA U19 squad: Juan James (c, Western Province), Martin Khumalo (Easterns), Tristan Luus (Dolphins), Kwena Maphaka (Lions), Dewan Marias (Easterns), Nqobani Mokoena (Dolphins), Riley Norton (Boland), Romashan Pillay (Dolphins), Sipho Potsane (Lions), Lhuan-dre Pretorius (Titans), Richard Seletswane (Lions), Steve Stolk (Titans), David Teeger (Lions), Oliver Whitehead (Western Province), Ntando Zuma (KwaZulu-Natal Inland).
SA U19 group stage matches
Friday, 19 January: vs West Indies U19 – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom, 10:00
Tuesday, 23 January: vs England U19 – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom, 10:00
Saturday, 27 January: Scotland U19 – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom, 10:00
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
