There is a sense of resilience and determination in Kwena Maphaka’s eyes as he sets off at the start of his run-up.

The primary target for the Proteas 2024 u.19 Cricket World Cup speedster when he hits the crease is to take wickets – nothing more, nothing less.

This left-arm quick has already taken 7 wickets at an average of 16.71, strike rate of 21.57 and economy rate of 4.64.

He started the tournament with a statement player of the match performance against the West Indies at the J.B. Marks Oval taking 5/38 to bowl his side to victory with some devastating yorkers. Even though the yorker is a devastating weapon, Maphaka is no one-trick pony, with numerous cards up his sleeve.

“I train hard to perfect the yorker. I put down two boots and try to aim at it as one of my training routines. It is also important to have a lot of variation. A good stock ball as well as one or two variations is crucial in modern day cricket,” emphasises Maphaka.

As the spearhead of the SA attack, a lot of responsibility rests on the 17-year-old matriculant from St. Stithians College. Comparisons with other legendary pace bowlers such as Kagiso Rabada, Makhaya Ntini can add pressure, but this prodigious talent knows that he can only carve out his own legacy.

This legacy starts now at the 2024 u.19 Cricket World Cup.

“The World Cup has been an amazing experience. To represent your country at a World Cup on home soil is a privilege. In 2022, I was still really young, so I have grown my game a lot since then. I am lot more confident now,” adds Maphaka.

It has been quite a journey for Maphaka, who grew a love for cricket from playing in the backyard with his older brother, Tetelo. Tetelo is also a cricketer, having represented the Lions a couple of years back.

“I grew a passion for the game. I really wanted to get my brother out as a 4-year-old. It was a challenge as he was the older brother (10),” he smiles.

Now in 2024, he has a SA T20 contract with the Paarl Royals under his belt, has represented the SA A team on international tours in 2023, made his first-class debut for the Lions in 2023 and is playing in the Cricket World Cup for his nation.

“A lot of credit must go to the coaches at St. Stithians who really give us a platform for competition amongst the players and against top schools. It really is a fantastic place to grow your cricket,” adds Maphaka on his rise as an u.19 Proteas cricketer.

Being able to put on the green and gold is a dream come true for Maphaka as well as his family and friends, whose support means the world to him.

“It is really special to get messages from friends and family. It really motivates me to continue doing well. As a whole we just want to make South Africa proud again,” states this left-arm quick.

This articulate and confident speedster is hesitant to unveil his personal goals at the 2024 u.19 Cricket World Cup, just mentioning that he always has a couple of boxes he would like to tick on match day.

“At the end of the tournament I will know if I achieved the goals, I set for myself. For now as a team, we must just continue to work and train hard and back our ability. The performances and results will then follow.”