17-year-old Kwena Maphaka’s mom posed a very ‘tricky’ question to her son after the latest acquisition of the Mumbai Indians linked up with the squad on March 21, Thursday ahead of the IPL 2024 season.
Maphaka was roped in by MI as a replacement for Dilshan Madushanka after the Sri Lankan pacer had to withdraw from the tournament due to injury.
The South African pacer was a star during the U19 World Cup earlier this year as he was adjudged the ‘Player of the Tournament’ for claiming 21 wickets, which was the most by a pacer in the history of the competition.
The 17-year-old arrived at the MI team camp along with his mother. Maphaka said the MI move was something unexpected and hailed Mumbai as a beautiful city.
“It feels really good. Definitely something unexpected. But I’m really happy to be here. It’s a beautiful city,” said Maphaka.
During the course of the video, the MI admin posed a question on behlaf of his mom, who asked how Maphaka would manage his studies. Like any other teenager, Maphaka went on to say he would be able to pull it off.
“Yes, it’s definitely going to be a difficult time. But it’s a lot of extra lessons and a lot of hardwork,” said Maphaka.
An honour: Maphaka’s mom on Mumbai Indians move
In the same video, Maphaka’s mom would say it is an honour for them to see the pacer be a part of the MI franchise. She said she is hoping that he son is going to fit in well and be welcomed by the team.
“It’s an honour. We are very blessed to have Kwena be a part of such a big family of Mumbai Indians and I hope he is going to fit in and be welcomed,” said Maphaka’s mom.
Maphaka is the second replacement signing for MI this season as they also roped in England pacer Luke Wood to replace Jason Behrendorff. MI will begin their IPL 2024 campaign against Gujarat Titans on March 24.
