‘Umlazi Express’ set to roll for U19s

ESHLIN VEDAN

MONDLI Khumalo, pictured, is the only KZN representative in the South African U19 Cricket World Cup squad that is due to play in the 50-overs tournament on home soil later this month.

The 18-year-old fast bowler looks set to be an important part of Lawrence Mahatlane’s side who will be looking to stage a strong performance in the tournament.

He recently impressed against India U19 who will be one of the pretournament favourites to win the U19 World Cup as he finished with bowling figures of 4/53.

Even though the South Africans ultimately lost the game by 66 runs, Khumalo proved that he is capable of shining against the best in his age division.

The former Maritzburg College student is fondly known as the “Umlazi Express” and is proud of his roots.

“It really feels nice to see what I’ve done, not only for my township but for myself, my family.

“I aim to show everyone that it is not about where you come from but about where you are going in this big world,” said Khumalo.

Khumalo took up the game of cricket when he was 12 years old and soon began to shine as he was chosen to represent the provincial U13B side the next year.

He credits one of the best moments of his career so far as being when he achieved bowling figures of 7/37 from 10 overs during a game against Maritzburg College’s arch-rivals Michaelhouse when he was just 16 years old.

This display from the youngster led to him being included in the South African U19 team squad that participated in a triangular series against South Africa, England and Namibia in 2017.

Khumalo, whose cricket role models are South African quick bowler Kagiso Rabada and Indian captain Virat Kohli, is aiming to one day don the jersey of the Proteas.

The national team may currently be going through a challenging phase, but if one thing is certain, it is that there will be no shortage of replacements for the likes of Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn with KZN’s Lifa Ntanzi, Khumalo and many other talented bowlers from across the country coming through the ranks.