There will also be games in Bloemfontein and Potchefstroom this weekend.

Local knowledge of the conditions will be extremely valuable for the host nation, and while most of the team has not played at all the venues, players from the respective host cities will be an asset.

The fast bowler, Gerald Coetzee, and the spinner, Pheko Molestane, both hail from Bloemfontein, while the batsman, Andrew Louw, is also in the City of Roses now, but is from Kimberley.

The vice-captain of the team, Khanya Kotani, and, Odirile Modimokoane, are from Potchefstroom in the North West.

The VKB Knights seamer, Coetzee, who is expected to spearhead the South African bowling attack, told OFM Sport that first-hand knowledge of the conditions will be valuable.

“We are very excited to be a part of this World Cup, especially because it is in South Africa.

“Both myself and Pheks are really excited. We would have never imagined that we would have a chance to play a World Cup in a town like Bloem, where I was born and raised.

“Then we have Andrew, who has played in Kimberley for most of his life, and his experience will add a lot to the team.

“We also have one of two blokes from the Potchefstroom area in the North West. “

“Everyone is really excited to be a part of such an amazing part of our story. The mood in the camp is really good, we are all positive, and we are playing good cricket.

“One or two results didn’t go our way, but things are positive in the camp and we cannot wait to play against Afghanistan on Friday.”

South Africa and Afghanistan go head-to-head on Friday at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley.

On Saturday, Bangladesh face Zimbabwe at the JB Marks Oval (Potchefstroom), Japan face New Zealand at the NWU Oval (Potchefstroom), Canada takes on the UAE at the Mangaung Oval (Bloemfontein), and Australia are up against the West Indies at the Diamond Oval (Kimberley).

On Sunday, Pakistan faces Scotland at the NWU Oval, and the defending and four-time champions, India, entertain Sri Lanka at the Mangaung Oval.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport