Donning green and gold again
All-rounder Kabelo Sekhukhune (17) is a delighted young man after he was again selected to represent the South African u-19 team.
The Daveyton resident is part of coach Lawrence Mahatlane’s 15-member squad that will take on Bangladesh from Monday, June 29 to Tuesday, July 21, in a seven-match, Youth One-Day International series, in Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
The Bangladeshi tour forms part of the reciprocal agreement between Cricket South Africa and the Bangladesh Cricket Board, following South Africa’s tour to the subcontinent country earlier this year.
It is also part of South Africa’s preparations for the ICC u-19 World Cup that will take place in Bangladesh, in January 2016.
Sekhukhune, a pupil at Hoërskool Hans Moore and an Eastern Premier League player for United Cricket Club, told the City Times that he is really looking forward to the inbound tour.
“It is an honour and a privilege to be back again,” he said (after he was not included in the party that travelled to Bangladesh).
He made his debut for the u-19 national team against England, last year.
“I am really looking forward to the tour, ” the left-handed batsman/leg-break bowler added.
“I am a young player trying to make my name in the cricketing world, so to be involved with this team means a lot to me.”
Regarding the upcoming series, he said he is expecting a tough challenge against the team from the sub-continent, particularly in the spin department.
Sekhukhune describes wearing the green and gold ”Baby Protea” as “incredible”.
“Whenever I see my name and number on the jersey I get goosebumps,” he added.
He thanked everyone who has helped him on his cricketing journey so far, with special praise for Raymond Ramalho and Fred Mokoena, who he credits for “discovering” him.