Nqobani Mokoena

Mokoena grew up in KwaMashu, north of Durban, and began playing cricket at about the age of ten after watching friends train at local grounds.^[1] He was raised by his mother, and members of his extended family supported his cricket development.^[2] Former cricketer Khalipha Cele helped him move to Northwood School on a sports scholarship.^[2] By late 2023, he was a Grade 11 pupil at Northwood.^[4] At school, he moved from spin bowling to batting and later to fast bowling.^[5]

Mokoena was named in South Africa's provisional squad for the 2024 Under 19 Cricket World Cup in 2023.^[6] He played three matches in South Africa's home World Cup campaign, including the semifinal, although injury limited his involvement.^[1] He made his debut for the Dolphins in the opening match of the 2024–25 CSA T20 Challenge.^[1] In January 2025, he took 5 for 49 against England Under 19 in the first Youth Test at Coetzenburg.^[7] He received a Dolphins rookie contract in June 2025.^[8] He was then signed by Paarl Royals at the September 2025 SA20 auction.^[9]

During the 2026 SA20, Mokoena was used with the new ball and at the death.^[5] His figures of 4 for 34 against Sunrisers Eastern Cape on 31 December 2025 were his best of the season.^[5][10] He finished the competition with 13 wickets in 10 matches and received his first call up to South Africa's Twenty20 International squad in February 2026 for the tour of New Zealand.^[3]