National call-ups for Border’s trio
this weekend’s one day, so they are very talented players,” said Muller.
“Thando was a very promising player when he was still here and he has continued to do well since moving down to Wynberg.
“But we are very proud of the boys and I believe that they will give their 100% and be fully committed to perform for the U19s.”
Raynard van Tonder will captain the young team for the second time in the five-match Youth One-Day International (ODI) series and is looking forward to another opportunity to lead from the front.
U19 coach Lawrence Mahatlane believes that they have found the right balance as well as the sweet spot between youth and experience and is looking forward to seeing how this team goes.
“I’m really happy with the squad that has been put together by the selection panel,” he said.
“I feel we’ve got the right personnel for all the different scenarios and a group of really fired up youngsters. The series is going to be another tough task for the guys and the way we apply ourselves and our skills will be the key.
“There’s obviously a lot to play for, considering that we leave for the U19 World Cup in the first week of January next year, but for me right now, it’s about winning this series and making sure that we’ve laid the right groundwork for the Tests that are still to come before we head out.”
The coach is optimistic of his team’s chances in the triangular and is pleased with the hunger shown by individuals during camps held in the last few months.
“It bodes well for the team. I’ve seen how hungry they are when we get together for our sessions and the positive direction they have taken in the intervening months,” he said.
Coca-Cola South Africa U19s Youth ODI squad: Raynard van Tonder (capt, Free State), Matthew Breetzke (Eastern Province), Jean du Plessis (South Western Districts), Jason Niemand (Border), Gerard Coetzee (Free State), Jade de Klerk (Eastern Province), Fraser Jones (KZN Inland), Wandile Makwetu (Gauteng), Andile Mogakane (KZN Coastal), Kgaudise Molefe (Gauteng), Jacob Miltz (Gauteng), Thando Ntini (Western Province), Jiveshen Pillay (Northerns), Hermann Rolfes (Northerns), Kenan Smith (Eastern Province), Mondli Khumalo (KZN Coastal), Akhona Mnyaka (Border).