Rabada ‘has what it takes’
– Former Proteas fast bowler Mfuneko Ngam says up-and-coming youngster Kagiso Rabada (pictured) is on the right track to reach great heights in South African cricket.
Ngam was speaking at Fort Hare University, near East London, where he coaches and plays a big role in grassroots development programmes with the assistance of Cricket SA and sponsors Momentum.
“From my background, if I were to compare myself to him, he’s more mature than I was at the same stage,” Ngam said.
“I did things differently, because all I wanted to do was bowl quick. The way I trained was the wrong ap-
East London
proach. I would train until I couldn’t move my feet anymore.”
At the tender age of 21, the Eastern Cape bowler managed just three Tests, making his debut against New Zealand in 2000. He took 11 wickets, averaging 17.18, however, he was plagued by injury throughout his shortened career, playing just 46 fi rst-class games.
Rabada though was a different story and was on the correct path, he said.
“With the knowledge and structures Kagiso came through, and having been taught the things he was at a young age, I think he will go far.”
Taking 14 wickets for South Africa in their victorious Under-19 World Cup campaign earlier this year, the 19-year-old Rabada was contracted to the Highveld Lions.
He made his debut for the Proteas in the T20 series against hosts Australia last week where he picked up his fi rst international wicket at senior level. –