The team has been preparing in England ahead of the tournament – the first to be staged in eight years. On Thursday, South Africa will play another warm-up match to fine-tune ahead of their opener on Saturday. 

They will face the Cook Islands in a final hit-out to test combinations before turning their attention to Barbados.

Coach Precious Mthembu said the warm-up games in England gave them a clearer picture of where they stand and what still needs attention before the tournament begins.

Precious Mthembu. Photo: David Thabo Rantho

“For us it was particularly important to play these practice matches because you get the chance to face different teams and try out different combinations and styles,” said Mthembu.

“As a coaching team, with Phumza Maweni alongside me, we now have a much better indication of what we need to focus on, what’s working well, and what still needs improving.

“I am proud of the players because they showed they can step up and play competitively. They even surprised themselves by realising they could punch above their weight.”

Mthembu said the team dynamic is crucial, and everyone is treated equally.

“We are careful not to label anyone as the youngest in the team because that might make them hesitant to step up. We encourage every player to give their best and to back themselves.

“We have a great crop of leaders in the team, like Phophi Nematangari and Karla Victor, and they’ve been fantastic in motivating the rest of the group and keeping the energy high.”

South Africa finds themselves in a tricky Pool D at the Junior World Cup alongside Barbados, Fiji, Malawi, and Trinidad & Tobago.

The Junior Proteas will get their campaign underway in Gibraltar on Saturday night at 19:00 when they take on Barbados.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg