Nqobani Mokoena backing himself to perform in a Proteas jersey

The 19-year-old seamer had a breakout campaign for the Paarl Royals in the fourth season of SA20, taking 13 wickets at an average of 23.69.

Mokoena has now been called up for to teh Proteas senior squad without several rested first-choice players for the five-match series against the Black Caps.

The paceman feels the exposure he got playing in front packed crowds in the SA20 will hold him in good stead if he makes his international debut.

Mokoena told the SA20 website: "You do get nervous, but I got used to it eventually. I think I'm prepared for itâ”the crowd and everything.

"It's all about having discipline and respecting people. Keeping your head down, and you must be able to adjust. I practice quite often. I just back myself, and I back what I practice."

Joining Mokoena in the Proteas squad will be Paarl Royals and Dolphins teammate Ottneil Baartman, after the duo starred in tandem in the SA20.

The more experienced Baartman is SA20's leading wicket-taker across the four seasons and helped Mokoena settle in at the Royals.

"We're quite close. We play for the same team back home, Mokoena said about his fellow seamer. "So, coming into the SA20 and seeing him there, it was quite cool to have him around.

"He helped me with my plans and everything, just to make sure I'm always clear. He is a very good bowler, and tactically, he helped me improve my game awareness as well. It was great to have him there." 

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