Maketa a trump card for Proteas in PE Test

The Standard Bank Proteas will rely on the vast local knowledge of assistant coach, Malibongwe Maketa, as they prepare for the day-night Sunfoil Test match against Zimbabwe starting at St George’s Park on Tuesday. Maketa, who has been involved at the Eastern Cape franchise since 2013 until his recent appointment to the national team, says he is fortunate to be able to provide key insight into the expected conditions for the inaugural day-night fixture.The one-off match may feature a series of firsts for South African cricket, but it will also be Maketa’s first assignment as assistant coach of the Proteas, a role he has taken to with ease following similar roles with the Warriors and the Multiply Titans. This is the Proteas’ first four-day Test match, and along with the day-night elements, presents different challenges and opportunities around achieving a result. Maketa says the squad will not be placing too much emphasis on the uncontrollable elements, and will be focusing on executing the basics throughout each session of play.