Nqobani Mokoena (born 5 May 2006) is a South African cricketer who plays as a fast bowler for the Dolphins and Paarl Royals.[1] He represented South Africa Under 19 and received his first call up to the South Africa Twenty20 International squad in 2026.[2][3]
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Nqobani Mokoena |
| Born | 5 May 2006 Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
| Batting | Right-handed |
| Bowling | Right arm fast medium |
| Role | Bowler |
| International information | |
| National side | |
| Only T20I (cap 118) | 15 March 2026 v New Zealand |
| Domestic team information | |
| Years | Team |
| 2025–present | Dolphins |
| 2025/26 | Paarl Royals |
Source: ESPNcricinfo, 15 March 2026 | |
Early life and education
editMokoena grew up in KwaMashu, north of Durban, and began playing cricket at about the age of ten after watching friends train at local grounds.[1] He was raised by his mother, and members of his extended family supported his cricket development.[2] Former cricketer Khalipha Cele helped him move to Northwood School on a sports scholarship.[2] By late 2023, he was a Grade 11 pupil at Northwood.[4] At school, he moved from spin bowling to batting and later to fast bowling.[5]
Career
editMokoena was named in South Africa's provisional squad for the 2024 Under 19 Cricket World Cup in 2023.[6] He played three matches in South Africa's home World Cup campaign, including the semifinal, although injury limited his involvement.[1] He made his debut for the Dolphins in the opening match of the 2024–25 CSA T20 Challenge.[1] In January 2025, he took 5 for 49 against England Under 19 in the first Youth Test at Coetzenburg.[7] He received a Dolphins rookie contract in June 2025.[8] He was then signed by Paarl Royals at the September 2025 SA20 auction.[9]
During the 2026 SA20, Mokoena was used with the new ball and at the death.[5] His figures of 4 for 34 against Sunrisers Eastern Cape on 31 December 2025 were his best of the season.[5][10] He finished the competition with 13 wickets in 10 matches and received his first call up to South Africa's Twenty20 International squad in February 2026 for the tour of New Zealand.[3]
References
edit- 1 2 3 4 Northglen News Reporter (1 October 2024). "Northwood School learner relishes role with Dolphins". Northglen News. The Citizen. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- 1 2 3 Gomesh, S. (11 January 2026). "From apartheid-era township to top of the tree: Nqobani Mokoena's story". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- 1 2 "Nqobani Mokoena gets Proteas call up after breakthrough SA20 campaign". SABC Sport. 20 February 2026. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ Mlondo, Ntuthuko (19 December 2023). "KZN pupil thrilled after his SA U19 WC squad selection". Daily News. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- 1 2 3 Moonda, Firdose (17 January 2026). "Nqobani Mokoena wants to be the best death bowler in the world". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ Borchardt, Simon (10 November 2023). "SA U19 show World Cup hand". SA Cricket Mag. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ "Five-star Mokoena gives SA U19 advantage". SA Cricket Mag. 26 January 2025. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ POD Media (10 June 2025). "Continuity the key as Dolphins announce squads". East Coast Radio. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ "Dolphins stars snapped up in SA20 auction". SuperSport. 11 September 2025. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ Botton, Wesley (31 December 2025). "Miller and Mokoena shine as Royals edge Sunrisers in SA20 clash". The Citizen. Retrieved 15 March 2026.