SA U19 coach positive of a good World Cup run despite series defeat to India

Junior Proteas coach Malibongwe Maketa has sounded an early warning ahead of the ICC U19 World Cup, stressing that his side must urgently sharpen their fielding, batting, and bowling before their tournament opener against Afghanistan in Windhoek, Namibia, on January 16.

Maketa’s concerns came on the back of a bruising 3-0 Youth ODI series defeat to India, led by prodigious talent Vaibhav Suryavanshi, in what was SA’s final warm-up assignment before the global showpiece.

Played at Willowmoore Park, the series exposed key shortcomings and served as a sobering reality check for the young Proteas.

The final match on January 7 proved especially alarming, with SA’s bowlers and fielders struggling to contain the Indian batting onslaught that piled up 393/7.

Openers Suryavanshi and Aaron George both struck commanding centuries, punishing loose deliveries and capitalising on lapses in the field to set up an imposing total.

SA’s response with the bat offered little resistance, as they were skittled for just 160, raising serious questions about their ability to absorb pressure and build meaningful partnerships against quality opposition. The lack of composure and execution under the pump was a recurring theme throughout the series.

Maketa conceded it was a tough learning curve for his squad, but believes the lessons can still be valuable if acted upon swiftly.

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“It was a tough series for us. There are a few areas where we need to tick the box before our first game. Collectively, as a fielding unit, we definitely need to improve. Yes, we were under pressure with the bat, but I think we are hitting the ball quite nicely.

“With the bowling, we have to improve our control. We were put under pressure, and we just couldn’t find clear plans when we were in that moment. Those are the few areas we need to improve on,” said Maketa.

While gutted with the series loss, Maketa said they will tighten the basics, improve decision-making under pressure, and arrive in Windhoek battle-ready for the challenges that lie ahead.

“The guys have grown over the past 18 months. When we first started with this group, having to transition from school cricket to where they are now, it’s been a great improvement. Within that, we know we’ve got a lot of work to do, especially in the pressure moments.

“We still have to grow in that department. But I’m positive the nerves would have settled when we go to the World Cup. The guys would be playing to win rather than playing for their places in the team,” he said.

SA ICC U19 World Cup round-robin fixtures (all matches will be played at the HP Oval in Windhoek).

• January 16: Afghanistan vs SA – 09:30
• January 19: SA vs Tanzania – 09:30
• January 22: West Indies vs SA – 09:30

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