Franscois Schalk du Plessis, a Namibian teenager, has been appointed captain of the Under-19 cricket team, sharing a name with the former South African skipper. The qualifiers for the U-19 World Cup will commence against Nigeria on March 28. Meanwhile, the senior Faf du Plessis prepares for his 13th IPL season with the Delhi Capitals as vice-captain under Axar Patel. Both Fafs exhibit a strong commitment to cricket, albeit at different career stages.
Franscois Schalk du Plessis, commonly known as Faf, is a Namibian teenager who has recently been appointed captain of Namibia’s Under-19 cricket team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. His name draws a connection to the renowned former South African captain, Faf du Plessis, and they share similarities as both are right-handed batters and leg-spin bowlers.
Namibia’s Under-19 team, led by the young Faf, is set to begin their qualifying campaign against Nigeria on March 28 in Lagos, with subsequent matches against Kenya, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Uganda. The 2026 U-19 World Cup will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia, yet Namibia must qualify through regional tournaments while Zimbabwe has direct qualification.
In the backdrop of the Under-19 qualifiers, the veteran Faf du Plessis, who is now 40 years old, is preparing for his 13th season in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has recently been signed by the Delhi Capitals for his base price of Rs20 million during the 2024 mega auction in Jeddah, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career.
The Delhi Capitals announced Faf du Plessis as the vice-captain of the franchise, alongside leader Axar Patel. The IPL 2025 season will see them kick off against the Lucknow Super Giants in Visakhapatnam, exciting both players as they embark on their respective journeys in the sport.
The young Faf is entering the cricketing scene, carrying the legacy of a famous name, while the experienced Faf is poised to exert his influence in one of cricket’s premier leagues. Despite their different stages in the sport, both possess an unwavering passion for cricket.
In summary, Faf du Plessis of Namibia is taking on the role of captain in the Under-19 World Cup qualifiers, building upon the legacy of his namesake, the experienced Faf du Plessis from South Africa. While both individuals are at different phases in their cricketing careers, they share a profound love for the game. Their upcoming events—a young captain leading a team and a seasoned player stepping into a vice-captain role—highlight the generational impact of cricket.
Original Source: gulfnews.com
