The new academy cycle will run over three years from 2021 to 2024.

The fast bowler, Coetzee, has been in the Knights system for quite some time, while the wicketkeeper, Makwetu stood in as the captain in the absence of the Protea, Pite van Biljon, last year.

Coetzee and Makwetu represented South Africa at the 2018 ICC U19 Cricket World Cup that was played in New Zealand.

“As head coach, I am very excited to be working with this group of players. They tick every box with where we’re striving to take the game to at a national level,” said the head coach, Malibongwe Maketa.

“In terms of squad balance, a key focus area is the development of black African batsmen, and we believe that we have quality black African batsmen in the squad. 

“The make-up of the squad will also allow us to develop all-rounders. We have selected young all-rounders who we believe have the potential to go on and represent the Proteas.”

Another former Knight, Tshepo Ntuli, has also made the cut for the 18-member intake.

National Men’s Academy 2021-2024:- Joshua Richards (Lions), Bryce Parsons (Dolphins), Kabelo Sekhukune (Warriors), Grant Roelofsen (Dolphins), Wandile Makwetu (Knights), Lifa Ntanzi (Dolphins), Thando Ntini (Dolphins), Stefan Tait (Warriors), Dayyaan Galiem (Titans), Tshepo Ntuli (Lions), Jonathan Bird (Western Province), Gerald Coetzee (Knights), Ruan de Swardt (Dolphins), Mitchell van Buuren (Lions), Jade de Klerk (Warriors), Levert Manje (Lions), Thamsanqa Khumalo (Dolphins) and Tristan Stubbs (Warriors).

@MorganPiek OFM Sport