Cricket SA to help U19 stars with transition into Proteas set-up

By Benjamin Leshoro
2nd February 2026

SA Under-19 coach Malibongwe Maketa has made it clear that the youngsters will receive all the support needed to make a smooth transition into the professional ranks.

Some of the programme’s biggest alumni include Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada who are now seasoned fixtures in the Proteas set-up, and Maketa says they too had to be guided from U19 as youngsters. He says some players like JJ Basson, Bayanda Majola, and Jason Rowles may find it easier and quicker to make the jump than others.

"In this group, Jason [Rowles], JJ Basson and Bayanda Majola have put up their hands early. From that sense, without having to put extra pressure on this young men. Yes, they have put up their hands early but their development is only starting now in terms of transitioning into the senior team."

READ: Aiden Markram warns not to overthink World Cup as Proteas jet to India

Maketa’s team returned back to South Africa on Friday following an underwhelming World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia, and he says he’s only going to receive feedback this week from the Cricket SA top brass. He’ll be sitting down with Director of National Teams and High Performance Enoch Nkwe to plan the way forward.

"This week will be about having honest feedback in terms of how the team has done and which individuals need extra support. All the players that went to the World Cup will be supported for the next 6 months to make sure that mentally and physically they come through the experience unscathed which will help their development going forward."

Maketa revealed that he’s also in constant communication with senior national team coach Shukri Conrad, to help make sure there’s alignment in the system in terms of talent identification. He added that both Conrad and Nkwe are actively involved in their camps to get a first-hand experience of where they are in their development.