BULAWAYO: Rising all-around star Mihlali Mpongwana is relishing the prospect of leading South Africa Emerging in the first unofficial Test against Zimbabwe Emerging in Bulawayo starting on Thursday.
The 24-year-old is not only captain of the team but he is expected to play a key role on the trip, which is made up of two four-day matches as well as three one-day matches, all to be played over the next 17 days.
“It’s an honour and a privilege for me to be named captain of this team,” he said on the eve of the tour opener. “It’s something I’ve always enjoyed, leadership, so I’m proud to have been given this opportunity.”
Mpongwana has enjoyed a sharp rise in domestic cricket following a strong season for World Sports Betting Western Province where he helped them win the domestic One-Day Cup. He was the star of the final against North West Dragons scoring a match-winning hundred and taking three wickets in the game.
His performances subsequently earned him Proteas call-ups, though he did not play for the national team in both series in which he was selected.
“Last year was a big year for me in terms of what I achieved…doing well at domestic level, playing for SA A and then earning a national call-up to the Proteas,” he explained. “That was a surreal feeling in what was a surreal season for me.
“I don’t take anything for granted or get too comfortable. I still haven’t made my debut, which is driving me more and keeping me grounded. I still want to make an impact, I want to make my debut and that’s what is adding fuel to my fire, this desire to want to play for my country.”
Mpongwana started playing cricket through South Africa’s popular KFC Mini-Cricket Programme when he was eight.
“The one thing that stood out for me was that they used to always offer biscuits and drinks since the programme was sponsored by Bakers at the time. I just loved that. People used to encourage me to play for a club, and that’s how it started. My love for the game was then nurtured.
“My first semi-pro game was in 2018 for Western Province and then around a year later in 2019 I played my first professional game for the Cape Cobras. From there I grew stronger and slowly established myself in the franchise set-up and in 2021 I earned my first franchise contract.”
Now entrusted with the captaincy, he is aiming to make a significant impact with what is a young squad.
“I would say my captaincy style is different to other people seeing that I’m a very calm guy,” he added.
“But I always support and encourage an attacking style of the game. So that’s me. I just like to be positive all the time.
“I have spent the last couple of months with the guys at the Centre of Excellence. We have a nice young squad, guys who haven’t played much first-class cricket or played at a professional level.
“But I do have faith in them that we can get the job done. There’s a lot of talent and desire to win from a group of players that have been working extremely hard. We’re not going to take anything for granted at the same time. We have a good mix overall and we’ve gelled quite well. The atmosphere in the squad is very good and very jolly, so we’re looking forward to a positive experience.”
Mpongwana has not played in Zimbabwe before and is counting on the experience of SA Emerging coach Malibongwe Maketa to guide them through the journey.
“It’s my first time in Zimbabwe but Coach Mali has been here many times, so he has been sharing that experience with us,” he stated. “The conditions won’t be the same as South Africa, we expect them to be slow being the early part of the season. But we’re just aiming to play it as it comes and not overthink things too much.”
South Africa Emerging squad against Zimbabwe Emerging
Mihlali Mpongwana (captain, Western Province), Jade de Klerk (Border), Dian Forrester (Free State), Valentine Kitime (Western Province), Tristan Luus (Dolphins), Dewan Marais (Easterns), Litheko Modiri (Titans), Andile Mogakane (Warriors), Nipho Mpungose (Free State), Caleb Seleka (North West), Lesego Senokwane (North West), Andile Simelane (Dolphins), Codi Yusuf (Lions), and Ntando Zuma (KZN Inland).
Tour Itinerary
Four-Day Matches
01 – 04 August
Zimbabwe Emerging vs SA Emerging Men – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
07 – 10 August
Zimbabwe Emerging vs SA Emerging Men – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
One-Day Matches
Tuesday, 13 August
Zimbabwe Emerging vs SA Emerging Men – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Thursday, 15 August
Zimbabwe Emerging vs SA Emerging Men – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Saturday, 17 August
Zimbabwe Emerging vs SA Emerging Men – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Source: cricket.co.za
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