Kwena Maphaka: I have a really good relationship with Shukri Conrad

Kwena Maphaka SA AKwena Maphaka.

Left-arm seamer Kwena Maphaka praised the positive influence of coach Shukri Conrad after taking two wickets in first-class debut during day one of South Africa A’s fixture against Sri Lanka A on Monday.

Maphaka was added to the squad as cover for the injured Lutho Sipamla – and was named in the XI for this week’s four-day fixture in Hambantota.

Conrad was the South Africa Under-19 coach before being named Test coach – and is the head coach of South Africa A for this tour.

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“I’ve got a really good relationship with coach Shukri. We really connected while we were together at SA Under-19,” Maphaka told IOL.

“I was actually a bit sad when he left for the Proteas Test side, but to join up with him again so quickly is really cool.

“The entire team is really chilled. I thought they would be a lot more hostile, but everyone has been really supportive.”

Maphaka completed figures of two for 43 in 11 overs as South Africa A restricted Sri Lanka A to 325 all out before moving to 55 for two in response. Spinner Senuran Muthusamy claimed seven wickets.

“I just tried to pace myself throughout the day. I had to think about coming back for a second spell, possibly even a third spell, so it’s about preserving energy,” he added.

“But furthermore, the processes remain the same. The same principles and game plans in terms of what I want to execute.”

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