‘THERE are not many schoolboys who can say that they have run out in front of the full Wankhede and have that as a reference point,’ Proteas coach Rob Walter said about Kwena Maphaka playing in the IPL. Photo: AFP
ROB Walter had never seen Kwena Maphaka bowl “in the flesh” before the teenage fast-bowling sensation arrived in the Caribbean for the upcoming three-match T20I series against the West Indies.
The Proteas’ white-ball coach was therefore more than pleased that his gut feel was indeed on point after previously only watching video highlights of the 18-year-old left-arm seamer.
“Yesterday was the first time in the flesh,” Walter admitted from Trinidad yesterday ahead of tomorrow’s first T20 clash against the Windies (9pm SA time start).
“But I’ve watched plenty of footage, so it was good to see what I’ve seen on TV was exactly the same in reality.
“We’ve seen him bowl for the Lions and win games for them in the Super Over. He performed well at the Under-19 World Cup and ran out for Mumbai Indians at the IPL, so he’s done some incredible stuff for a young guy.
“And (he) seems to have a really cool perspective on it all...
“While the performance may not have been there, there are not many schoolboys who can say that they have run out in front of the full Wankhede and have that as a reference point.”
Maiden IPL wicket for Kwena Maphaka.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 1, 2024
Akadh Madhwal removed Samson and Buttler. 💥pic.twitter.com/ltpPFzjpXX
The excitement around Maphaka’s maiden Proteas international call-up is palpable.
Not since the arrival of Kagiso Rabada on the international scene a decade ago has there been such a sense of anticipation about what an individual might do for the imminent prospects of the Proteas, and the long-term viability of the game in Mzansi.
While it’s grossly unfair to compare the two stallions, the temptation is simply too much to resist.
They were both – or in Maphaka’s case, still is – educated at Johannesburg’s ‘Ivy League’ institution, St Stithians.
They both shot to prominence at the Under-19 World Cup, with Maphaka superseding Rabada’s 2014 achievements by bagging 21 wickets in the tournament earlier this year.
And they are both black high-performing athletes in a country where race is an integral part of society’s DNA.
It is a weight that Rabada has been forced to shoulder almost single-handedly for the past 10 years.
It was only a couple of months ago that Rabada was the sole black African player in the Proteas’ T20 World Cup squad in the USA and the West Indies.
Fortunately, Rabada’s maturity level doesn’t allow him to waste too much energy on such outside noise, saying recently: “It would be such a heavy thought to have during a World Cup; thinking about yourself being the only black player in a team. That seems like torture to me, and it takes away from the focus.”
Maphaka will unfortunately not have Rabada’s wise head for company in the West Indies, but will instead have the equally astute Lungi Ngidi alongside him.
They will more than likely share the new ball tomorrow in the first T20I at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago.
Walter is fully aware of the spotlight that will be thrust upon the teenager from the moment he sends down his very first delivery for the Proteas.
“It certainly is a challenge that I am very aware of,” Walter said.
“My interactions (with Maphaka) in the past have shown me that he is a wonderfully calm guy. He has his head screwed on very well.
“For me, it is one part of the journey. This is just one part of performing best for South Africa whenever the opportunity does arise.
“Obviously he’s young, but it will be up to him and his support group – of which we are just one portion – to keep things in perspective.
🇿🇦 We are back Trinidad! 🇹🇹
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) August 21, 2024
Our players departed for the Brian Lara Cricket Academy Stadium in Trinidad, ahead of their T20 Series.🏏#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt#SAvWI pic.twitter.com/3mRjGjochf
“The media – with all due respect to you gentlemen and ladies – report and sometimes that does create a bit of pressure on young guys if they read a little bit.
“As you know, social media is also a strong person in this sphere of performance, especially with public figures.
“So, to keep him grounded, letting him know he is under no time pressures, we just need to assist him in terms of being ready.
“That journey and taking care of him as an individual is foremost, and we will be endeavouring to do that as best we can.”
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