Kwena Maphaka On Proteas Test Debut: It Was Really Crazy

Three years ago, Shukri Conrad picked an unknown 15-year-old for the ICC Under-19 World Cup in the Caribbean.

Outside of the hallowed halls of St Stithians at Lyme Park in Johannesburg, nobody would have known the potential of young left-arm seamer Kwena Maphaka.

Three years later, and their paths have crossed again. Only now Conrad is the master in charge of the Proteas red-ball team who handed the 18-year-old a Test debut over New Year at Newlands.

My relationship with Coach Shuks is really good, having worked with him the past few years. Its been really nice. He is definitely a coach that backs me, Maphaka told reporters after the Proteas 10-wicket victory over Pakistan in Cape Town.

He is a coach not scared of backing his players. And thats really helpful and impactful as a cricketer, to say: My coach backs me 100 percent!