Northern Cape Heat’s Tshepo Ntuli earns SA Emerging call-up

The Northern Cape Heat is celebrating a proud moment as all-rounder Tshepo Ntuli has been named in the SA Emerging Men’s squad for their tour to Bangladesh this month.

Ntuli, 24, was one of the Heat’s standout performers this past season. When he received the news of his selection, he admitted he was left speechless.

"Well, the first time I got the news, I didn't know how to respond, let alone react," Ntuli admitted. "However, we all know in the cricket fraternity that once you make any SA team – whether it's Emerging, the A side, or the Proteas – that means you had a good season and you represented and performed for your domestic team. In essence, I was happy to have been identified by High Performance to make the squad."

The 24-year-old's selection is a proud milestone not only for himself but for the entire Northern Cape cricket community. It caps a season in which Ntuli has consistently delivered with both bat and ball, flourishing within the supportive environment at Northern Cape Heat.

"The main objective as a cricketer is to play cricket, and that’s what Northern Cape Heat has done for me – they’ve given me the platform to express myself fully and do what I love doing," he said. "But it’s also about the good people around me – those who were willing to go the extra mile, whether it was preparing facilities, coaching, or helping with mental strengthening. I’m grateful for the support structure around me."

Ntuli and his teammates will embark on an important tour of Bangladesh in May, where they will play three 50-over matches followed by two four-day red-ball games. Touring the subcontinent presents a different kind of challenge – and opportunity.

"Obviously, cricket is my first priority, which means I’ll have to assess and adapt to the conditions ASAP," Ntuli said. "Off the field, I’d love to experience their food and culture if time allows."

Cricket South Africa’s Head of High Performance, Grant van Velden, sees the tour as a vital stepping stone for the next generation. "Touring Bangladesh provides a unique opportunity to develop and test skills in traditionally tough subcontinent conditions, something that is essential as our players continue to grow through the national pipeline," he said.

Despite his rising profile, Ntuli remains grounded, pointing to the unwavering support of his family as his biggest motivator.

“I don’t know how to answer this fully,” he said when asked about his drive. “But I’d like to believe my family has been my biggest motivator. I can’t dwell too much on this, as it’s personal.”

Now stepping into a national team environment, Ntuli recognises the symbolic weight of his achievement. His message to young cricketers in the province is simple but profound: "Do what you love and love what you do. Therefore, look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves. It’s all about believing in the process and believing in yourself."

Led by head coach Malibongwe Maketa and captain George van Heerden, the SA Emerging Men’s squad represents the bridge between domestic competition and the highest levels of international cricket.

As Ntuli prepares to take this next step, the Northern Cape Heat family – and an entire province – will be watching with pride, knowing his story is a powerful reminder of what happens when preparation meets opportunity.