Malibongwe Maketa optimistic about winning U19 World Cup at home

With just one month remaining until South Africa hosts the event for the first time since 2020, Maketa exudes assurance after concluding an extensive training camp with the team. Following a series of warm-up matches ahead of the tournament in January,  Maketa declares they are ready for the global showpiece. 

"We're very excited to have the tournament back in South Africa. Currently, we're at Khaya Majola week and the players are in final preparations with their provinces", Maketa told SABC Sport.

"Straight after that, I'm sure the butterflies and the nerves that come with the responsibility of playing at home. There's a lot of expectation, but we are excited and very much looking forward to it," he continued.

Maketa is pleased with the preparations, noting the training camp, matches against Kwa-Zulu Natal, and participation in the Khaya Majola week have all contributed to a well-executed plan. Despite occasional interruptions from rain, the overall preparation process has been satisfactory, as affirmed by Maketa. 

"Preparations are going pretty well. We're lucky the bulk of the squad we were able to take to Bangladesh in the June/July school holidays. From that point of view, yes, it's been geared toward a subcontinent World Cup, but we're not complaining that it's back home.

“Unfortunately, the Durban weather didn't help us, but we do have support from Cricket South Africa to get a tri-series to get our preparations underway. All things are in place for us to make sure we give ourselves the best chance to win the tournament." 

The July tour of Bangladesh was crucial in fostering unity among the players.