The side is captained by Keshav Maharaj and has six uncapped players as coach Shukri Conrad looks to build towards the 2028 World Cup following their semi-final loss to New Zealand in the recent competition.
Maharaj sat down with the media on Saturday to preview the series.
You have had a look at the wicket and conditions. How are things shaping up ahead of the opening game?
Keshav Maharaj: It is obviously very different to when we first got here, and today is such a beautiful, sunny day. We have had a look at the wicket and I think we are pretty much in line with where we expected to be. Everyone is more or less clear on who is playing and who is not, we just need to finalise that with Shukri. But from my side, I know exactly what I want for the game, and I am sure Shukri is aligned with that as well. We are good to go and it should be a wonderful day of cricket.
Looking ahead to the series, what are your expectations of this group, especially with a few new faces and some players on their first tour?
It is obviously a really young group that we have. I think there are about six potential debutants in the squad. The guys have settled in nicely and they are asking a lot of questions. I think 13 players were at optional practice today, so that tells you how keen they are to really make a mark when they do get the opportunity.
But it is not about impressing anyone, because there is a reason why they are here. It is more about expressing their skills and doing what they did well to warrant their selection over here.
South Africa and New Zealand have a strong sporting rivalry. As players, do you feel that, and what is it like playing against New Zealand?
It has always been a wonderful rivalry. There is always good cricket played on the field, but there is still respect between both sides. We are looking forward to it. New Zealand are a really strong side and they are obviously coming off a big high from India.
But with the squad we have, there is a lot of energy in the environment because it is a much younger group. Hopefully it will be a strong series for us and, hopefully, we come out on top.
This match marks your 50th T20 international for South Africa. How do you reflect on your journey since making your debut in Sri Lanka, where you also captained the side?
I look back and realise I am not getting any younger. It has been five years since I made my debut in Sri Lanka as captain, and now I am playing my 50th. I am really excited. I still have the same buzz and energy, and I try to stay true to what I do.
That has not changed from a preparation point of view, but I am really excited to lead a very young side and I am hoping I can get the best out of them while still focusing on giving the performances I need to give the team.
You have taken on a number of leadership roles in recent years. How much have you enjoyed that responsibility, especially leading teams like Durban Super Giants and the Victoria Capitals?
I really enjoy it. I love working with the youngsters. I entered this environment 10 years ago, so I know what it is like to come in as a junior. I have played under some amazing captains, but Faf (Du Plessis) was always one who stood out for me in terms of empathy and care.
I try to emulate that style, not just as a captain but also as a senior player in the environment. So yes, I enjoy taking guys under my wing and basically being that father figure to them, just to make sure they have the platform to succeed when they come into this environment.
The series will be played as double-headers alongside the Proteas Women and the White Ferns, which is something new for both teams. What do you make of that format?
It is wonderful. It is a lovely opportunity, firstly, to get a sense of what the conditions are like when the women play. But more importantly, women’s cricket has come on in leaps and bounds. It is wonderful for them to have the stage as well.
They have played some amazing cricket and some very exciting games that have gone down to the wire. It is exciting for them, but it is also exciting for us to be able to witness it live.
A lot of the guys do not often get the chance to watch women’s cricket when they are at home because of various commitments and downtime, so it is a lovely opportunity for us to see what they are about and how they go about their game.
This is the start of a new T20 cycle after the World Cup. What is the focus for this series and the next two years?
It is all about building towards 2028. I do not know if I will still be there, but it is a wonderful opportunity for the coaching staff to see the depth in our system and how things are progressing towards that 2028 World Cup.
There are obviously a lot of players who will still filter back into this environment, but the youngsters have an opportunity here to show what they are about, gain experience, understand what they can get better at, and also recognise what they are already doing well. You never know where 2028 might stand for them in terms of World Cup squad selection.
But it is also a wonderful opportunity for us to put our best foot forward against a really strong New Zealand side, a very experienced side, and to gauge ourselves. We are not here just to fulfil the fixture. We want to try and win, even with a really young side.
I said the other day, what a story it would be to get on that flight home and say, ‘Wow, that was amazing and special to be part of.’ So it is about creating good memories and learning as we move forward in the series.