With World Cup looming, Nqaba Peter determined to make Proteas recall count

With next year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup looming large on the horizon, leg-spinner Nqaba Peter is determined to turn his Proteas recall into a statement of intent during South Africa’s white-ball tour of Namibia.

The Central Gauteng Lions player was named in a 15-man Proteas squad to tackle the Namibians from Friday to September 13.

On Friday, the teams face each other at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek to kick-start a T20 International (T20I) Tri-series that also includes Zimbabwe. The Proteas will remain in Windhoek for the first-ever ODI series against the hosts.

The spin bowler last played for Shukri Conrad’s team in November last year, and the 24-year-old says he is eager to excell.

Nqaba Peter gets his first wicket in ODI cricket 💥💥 📺 Stream #SAvAFG on DStv: https://t.co/rM90YyQxaw #WozaNawe | #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/OVfiQ6BMkD

“It really means a lot to me to be back in the Proteas squad,” Peter said. “It shows that I’m still backed and I’m just really glad to be back in the mix.

“Coach Shukri is a very straightforward coach. I have some knowledge and experience of working with him and sort of what he demands from the entire team. It’s going to be really exciting. Every opportunity to wear the green and gold is massive. It’s definitely an honour to represent and wear the jersey.

“Regardless of who you play, the purpose remains the same; it’s for the badge. These kinds of encounters are the ones you’d like to put your hand up for. I think it’s a great opportunity for guys to showcase their skills.”

The former Hudson Park High School pupil made his international T20 debut for South Africa in 2024 against the West Indies. Two years later, Nqaba says not much in his game has changed. However, he says that he has made the most of learning from some experienced teammates.

“I just think I’ve learned a lot the more I play. I’ve learned from rubbing shoulders with guys who have more knowledge and have played the game on bigger stages than I have.

It’s good to hear; however, it’s the numbers that do the talking, even if I’d be the only leg-spinner. Performance is what remains a priority in selection. I just have to keep putting in performances that will put me in good positions for the future.

“I’ve learnt a lot from them and have taken their thoughts and tried to implement them into my game.”

In the build-up to the white-ball series, a lot of talk has been about Nqaba being a possible solution to the renaissance of leg-spinners for the Proteas. The Lions player is unfazed by the speculation.

“It’s good to hear; however, it’s the numbers that do the talking, even if I’d be the only leg-spinner. Performance is what remains a priority in selection. I just have to keep putting in performances that will put me in good positions for the future.”