The ITEC Knights seamer and former Junior Protea, Tiaan van Vuuren, believes playing the upcoming ICC Under-19 men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa will be a big advantage for the hosts.

Van Vuuren, represented the Junior Proteas during the 2020 World Cup that was played in South Africa.

That tournament was played in Bloemfontein, Kimberley, Potchefstroom and Benoni, as there is a strong chance that it will be played at these venues again. As it stands the World Cup will be played during the same window as the second season the SA20, and the aforementioned venues are the ones that are available.

The left-arm seamer told OFM Sport that it is an advantage to play the tournament on home soil.

“It's great that the under-19 World Cup is in South Africa again,” said Van Vuuren.

“I'm sure that most of the players would have been keen to play international games in another country, but I think it is very beneficial to the players to experience a home World Cup where they are used to the conditions and the climate.

“Most importantly, they will have a home crowd that will be supporting and backing them.”

Tiaan van Vuuren in action for the Junior Proteas - Facebook

Van Vuuren that being about to play in a home World Cup is something very special indeed and they will never forget the experience.

“It's going to be great of them - it's going to be an experience that they will never forget. The one thing that I remember from playing in the 2020 World Cup is South Africa was being able to sing the national anthem with the fans and the country.

“That is something that was very special and that I will never forget. I'm looking forward to supporting the Junior Proteas here in South Africa.”

The former Knights fast bowler, Gerald Coetzee, who was South Africa's best bowler at the recent Cricket World Cup in India, played alongside Van Vuuren in the tournament.

The U19 World Cup is set to start in January, but these dates are still to be finalised and will be confirmed in due course.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport