Proteas newbie Nqobani Mokoena looking to step up at the death against the Black Caps

Paarl Royals teenager Nqobani Mokoena is ready for the big time with the Proteas. The Rajasthan Royals franchise has a long history of investing in youthful talent. At the IPL, they, of course, unearthed 14-year-old prodigyVaibhav Sooryavanshi.

They have followed a similar path in South Africa through the Paarl Royals franchise by giving teenagers Lhuan-dre Pretorius andKwena Maphakatheir first chance in Betway SA20. It has certainly been to the Proteas’ benefit with both Pretorius and Maphaka having debuted for the national team across formats over the past 12 months. The Royals have continued this tactic with the latest off the talent production line being 19-year-old seamerNqobani Mokoena.

The former SA U19 international burst on the scene during Betway SA20 Season 4, claiming 13 wickets, and forming a potent new-ball combination with the seasoned Ottneil Baartman. The pair are back together again in New Zealand, where Mokoena is hoping to make his Proteas T20I debut against the Black Caps at Mount Maunganui in the first of five matches on Sunday. “Getting a call-up for Proteas, it is quite cool,” Mokoena said.

[paywall]

“I was at home actually, like at my place. And then I got a call. They told me I got picked.

And I was just very excited. Like, I didn’t know what to do.

[/paywall]