Moving send off for junior Proteas

The junior Proteas left for Dubai on 7 February to play in the three-week tournament. Cricket South Africa CEO Haroon Lorgat, who could not attend the send-off function, sent a message to wish the boys well.

“I am confident that you are all well aware of your duties and responsibilities to the cricket fans and the nation at large. I am sure you know what it means to wear the Protea blazer and hence you will account for yourselves very well and make our nation proud,” Lorgat said.

He urged the boys to go to Dubai and enjoy themselves, make new friends and above all, ensure they learn a thing or two in the world cup as part of the development of their cricketing careers. “You should be able to come back home and tell your friends, family and cricket colleagues what you learnt during the three-week tournament.”

Among those selected to represented the junior Proteas is Fourways teen Kagiso Rabada (19), a former matric pupil of St Stithians Boys College who said he was taking a gap year, partly to concentrate on his cricketing career and also give himself a break from non-stop studying.

“I have been behind the desk for the past 14 years or so, and that non-stop education has taken its toll on me – I feel I desperately need this gap year,” Rabada said.