Former Grahamstown sportsman Mbulelo Budaza has made the South African invitational cricket side that will compete against Bangladesh on 12 October in a warm-up one-day international.
The team will be led by veteran JP Duminy and will provide an opportunity for up and coming players as well as those who are fringe players for the South African senior side to showcase their abilities.
The 24-year-old Budaza is originally from AJ Duncan Farm and is a former pupil of Nathaniel Nyaluza Secondary School in Grahamstown. He completed his schooling at Woodridge College after earning a scholarship.
Budaza currently plays franchise domestic cricket for Free State-based Knights. Other notable teams he has played for include Border, Border under 19s, Eastern Province under 19s, Griqualand West and South African emerging players.
Budaza has admitted that he did not expect the call-up to the South African invitational side but is very excited, as it would allow him to represent the country alongside some of the best players in the World.
SA Invitation XI
JP Duminy (WSB Cape Cobras, capt), Matthew Breetzke (EP), Mbulelo Budaza (VKB Knights), AB de Villiers (Multiply Titans), Robbie Frylinck (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Beuran Hendricks (bizhub Highveld Lions), Heinrich Klaasen (Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Multiply Titans), Wiaan Mulder (bizhub Highveld Lions), Malusi Siboto (Multiply Titans), Khaya Zondo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins)
