Matric student and teenage sensation Kwena Maphaka set to earn R1.1 million in the IPL

Seventeen-year-old cricket prodigy Kwena Maphaka has been making waves in the sports world since bursting onto the scene earlier this year.

His impressive performance in the Cricket SA (CSA) T20 Challenge caught the attention of many, including the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he recently joined as part of the team.

As Maphaka arrived in Mumbai, one of his initial concerns was the local cuisine and its pungency.

However, teammate Dewald Brevis reassured him, saying that he handles spice better than most and should have no trouble adjusting to the food.

Despite his young age, Maphaka has shown remarkable maturity both on and off the field, impressing coaches and fans alike with his talent and work ethic.

Reflecting on his rapid rise to success, Maphaka shared, “It’s been a crazy year, to say the least. I do pinch myself occasionally. It’s really exciting to be part of a system like this. It is something that I have dreamt about for a really long time.”

His journey from studying for matric exams at St Stithians College to training with the Mumbai Indians is nothing short of a dream come true for the young cricketer.

Malibongwe Maketa, the SA U-19 coach, expressed his astonishment at Maphaka’s achievements, comparing his impact to that of Kagiso Rabada, who also made a significant impression early in his career.

Maphaka’s performance at the recent U-19 World Cup, where he took 21 wickets, solidified his reputation as a rising star in the cricket world.

Maphaka will reportedly earn R1.1m for his stint at the Mumbai Indians, although how often he will actually play remains to be seen.


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