Teenage fast bowler Nqobani Mokoena says his first call-up to the Proteas squad is a dream come true – and one he hopes will make his mother proud.
The 19-year-old earned selection for the upcoming T20I series against the Black Caps in New Zealand after a breakout campaign with the Paarl Royals in the SA20.
Mokoena’s rapid rise has been fuelled by a deep sense of gratitude towards his mother, who raised him on her own while supporting his cricket ambitions.
“My mom plays a very big role in my life,” Mokoena said. “I grew up without a dad, and for me she is kind of both. She’s a mom and a dad – she’s everything to me.
READ: Proteas finally heading home
“Watching her struggle while I was growing up, just to get me cricket gear, she was doing her best to make sure I had spikes and those basic things. I’m happy now that things are going my way and I can get my own gear. I’m just trying to make her happy and pay her back for what we’ve been through together.”
Mokoena also found guidance at the Royals from fellow fast bowler Ottneil Baartman. The pair play together at the KZN Dolphins but were picked to represent the Royals in South Africa’s premier T20 competition.
“We’re quite close because we play for the same team back home,” Mokoena said.
“Coming into the SA20 and seeing him there was quite cool. He helped me with my plans and everything, just to make sure I’m always clear.
“He’s a very good bowler and tactically he helped me improve my game awareness as well. It was great to have him there.”
ALSO: De Klerk strikes it rich at Hundred auction
The partnership proved fruitful as Baartman finished the SA20 as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 20 scalps, while Mokoena claimed 13 wickets at an average of 23.69.
His performances eventually led to the life-changing phone call confirming his Proteas selection.
“I was actually at home when I got the call,” he said. “They told me I got picked and I was just very excited. I didn’t know what to do – I just froze.
“The first person I called was my mom. I told her not to tell anyone because the squad wasn’t out yet. We were very happy as a family.”
Now the youngster, who was playing for Northwood Boys in Durban north just a year ago, is preparing for a potential international debut against a formidable New Zealand side featuring the likes of Finn Allen, Tim Seifert and Devon Conway. The pair of Allen and Seifert were instrumental in blowing the Proteas away in the T20 World Cup semi-final.
ALSO: Forrester ready to fire for Proteas
While the prospect of bowling against a powerful New Zealand batting line-up is daunting, Mokoena believes his preparation has him ready for the challenge.
“You do get nervous, but you get used to it,” he said. “I think I’m prepared for it – the crowd and everything.
“It’s about discipline and respecting the game. I practise a lot and I just back myself and what I’ve worked on.”
Proteas T20I squad: Keshav Maharaj (c, Dolphins), Ottneil Baartman (Dolphins), Gerald Coetzee (Titans), Tony de Zorzi (Western Province), Connor Esterhuizen (Lions), Dian Forrester (Dragons), Jordan Hermann (Warriors), Rubin Hermann (Dragons), George Linde (Western Province), Nqobani Mokoena (Dolphins), Wiaan Mulder (Lions), Andile Simelane (Dolphins), Lutho Sipamla (Lions), Prenelan Subrayen (Dolphins), Jason Smith (Dolphins).
ALSO: Proteas replace injured Bosch
New Zealand vs Proteas T20I series (all matches 9:15am SA time)
Sunday, 15 March: 1st T20I, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
Tuesday, 17 March: 2nd T20I, Seddon Park, Hamilton
Friday, 20 March: 3rd T20I, Eden Park, Auckland
Sunday, 22 March: 4th T20I, Sky Stadium, Wellington
Wednesday, 25 March, 5th T20I, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Photo: Ron Gaunt/Sportzpics