KwaZulu-Natal Inland will pin their hopes on Mondli Khumalo during the Under-19 Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Week tournament.
The tournament starts today in Rondebosch,Cape Town.
Khumalo has already represented the Under-19 squad, which toured England in July.
Coach Minenhle Magubane said their aim as a team was to perform and make an impact, not necessarily to win the title.
He said the team needs exposure.
“Our main aim is to expose our players to the world – we want to have players of the day coming from our team. We should have our players reaching 200 runs.”
The KwaZulu-Natal side will face former champions Northerns, who are based in Centurion, Gauteng, in the first clash.
“Everyone knows that Northerns are one of the powerhouses of junior cricket, but we have a blueprint plan that will help us to win,” Magubane said.
“The idea is to dominate and play the brand of cricket that is beautiful to watch.”
He said they might lose all games, but they would tick all the boxes.
Magubane, who will be leading his team as a coach for the first time, said he was delighted to have this opportunity.
“This is one of the most exciting things because I am one of the youngest coaches in the country. I have to prove myself,” he said.
Magubane has previously coached the KwaZulu-Natal Under-11 and Under-13 teams.
The Khaya Majola Cricket Week has produced Proteas players including AB de Villiers, Graeme Smith, Faf du Plessis, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi.
Siyabonga Sibiya, who is in his first season coaching Gauteng Central, said they expected a tough challenge.
“It’s going to be a difficult one to call, but, as Gauteng, we back ourselves to do well,” he said.
Kgaudise Molefe, Jacob Miltz, Joshua Richards and Michael Mahlaba also played for the Under-19 team in the past.
Gauteng Central will face KwaZulu-Natal Coastal in their opening match today.