Grade 8 cricketer Nobubelebesisa “Nobe” Zwane will make her international debut after being selected for South Africa’s U19 Women’s squad, marking another milestone in her fast-rising cricket journey.
Durban, South Africa (26 June 2026)- Pakistan is calling, and South African cricketer Nobubelebesisa “Nobe” Zwane is ready to answer.
The KZN Coastal player from Reddam House Umhlanga has been selected for South Africa’s Under-19 Women’s squad for the country’s first-ever Youth T20 International tour to Pakistan, where she is set to make her international debut.
The call-up comes only weeks after Nobe attended the national Under-19 training camp at the Cricket South Africa Centre of Excellence in Pretoria, where the country’s brightest young cricketers have begun preparing for the 2027 ICC Under-19 Women’s World Cup.
Representing KZN Coastal, Nobe has already shown that age is just another number. Competing against players several years older than herself, she has steadily climbed through the provincial ranks to earn a place in the national set-up.
Receiving the news was a proud moment.
“I was very proud and pleased with myself because it showed me that this goal is quite possible for me to achieve if I dedicate myself to it.”
Her love for cricket started in Grade 1 before she joined a cricket academy in Grade 5 to sharpen her skills. By the age of 11, she had earned KwaZulu-Natal Under-13 colours and later captained the provincial side while still in Grade 7.
Stepping into elite cricket also meant changing the way she approached the game mentally.
“Playing at provincial level was a big step for me to adapt mentally because I still had the mindset of a U13 player, but now I needed to have a South African U19 mindset. It taught me to learn quickly and effectively and changed how I view the game at a more professional level.”
Megan Kleynhans Adds African Title to Growing Laser Run Success
Lailaa Edwards Heads to Morocco With South Africa’s Table Tennis Flag
Now, as her first international tour approaches, Nobe is determined to enjoy every moment.
“I’m looking forward to learning a lot, making lots of memories and just enjoying it because that’s how I will do it better.”
Away from the cricket field, she balances her studies at Reddam House Umhlanga, saying the structure of the boarding school helps her keep up with both schoolwork and training.
Pakistan may be the next stop on her journey, but it is far from the finish line. Nobe already has her sights set on representing South Africa at the 2027 ICC Under-19 Women’s World Cup.
“Making the World Cup would mean the world to me because not only am I representing South Africa, but I’m also representing my family, my friends, my coaches and myself. It would really show a huge and special difference about me.”
Nobe believes young people should never let their age define what they are capable of achieving. Instead of comparing themselves to others, she encourages them to stay patient, trust their own journey and keep working hard, believing that everyone has their own time to shine.
by 
