SA Emerging, the rising stars of South African cricket, are poised to return to the Mangaung Oval, the very ground where their Cricket South Africa (CSA) 1 Day Cup journey commenced in September.
The team, having secured an impressive second position on the log standings, is now set to compete in the CSA 1 Day Cup Division 2 final.
This achievement follows their outstanding performance throughout the tournament, where they finished behind the ITEC Knights, the sole undefeated team in the competition.
The Emerging side's participation in the competition served as a crucial component of their preparation for the upcoming ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024.
Despite facing challenges such as exam schedules, the team exhibited remarkable adaptability, with the roster featuring a mix of young talents and National Academy graduates from the 2023 winter camp.
Reflecting on this invaluable experience, SA U19 Head Coach, Malibongwe Maketa, emphasized the significance of the exposure to senior cricket:
“Competing in the CSA 1 Day Cup was pivotal for our players. It provided them with a platform to gain experience and test their skills at a high level. In international tournaments, we often encounter teams with extensive first-class and A-list experience. Therefore, exposing these young players to senior cricket was a vital step in their development.”
Maketa further expressed his enthusiasm about reaching the final, stating;
“Securing a spot in the final is a remarkable achievement, especially for our U19 players. Every match in the World Cup feels like a knockout game. So this experience will be invaluable in mentally preparing our players for high-pressure situations, particularly finals.
“It also signifies a crucial learning opportunity for our young talents, enabling them to navigate the pressure of knockout matches and, in this case, a final. This journey has provided our coaching staff with valuable insights into the players, informing our preparations for the World Cup.
“Observing our players adapt to various conditions and learn from skilled opponents has been a significant learning curve, paving the way for their continued growth in professional cricket,” said Maketa.
The Division 2 CSA 1 Day Cup will be held at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, on Friday, 20 October 2023 at 10h00 and can be streamed live on the CSA YouTube Channel.