Pace from the under-23 ranks
Nqobani Mokoena was retained by Paarl Royals for SA20 Season 5, keeping one of the squad's under-23 places. The young bowler is one of three Royals in that bracket, alongside JJ Basson and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and his retention shows the franchise believes his pace is worth developing.
Young fast bowlers are kept when coaches see something they cannot teach — pace, bounce, or a natural action. Mokoena's job in Season 5 is to learn from the senior quicks around him and be ready when the captain calls, because T20 seasons always need a bowler to step up at some point.
What he brings to Paarl Royals
Paarl Royals get a young quick who adds depth to the pace attack. With Baartman and Viljoen carrying the senior fast-bowling load, Mokoena does not have to carry the attack — he has to be ready, and to keep improving in a settled dressing room.
His value is also in the future. The under-23 places exist so franchises can grow their own players, and a bowler who spends a season around Miller, Root and the senior quicks comes out of it better. Season 5 is a step in that development.
Where Paarl Royals stand
Mokoena is part of the Royals' young core, in a squad that did not change at the auction — 17 retained, two pre-signings, nobody bought. He will be part of the SA20 Season 5 squad at Boland Park in Paarl.
Boland Park in Paarl is the Royals' home, hosting five league games and Qualifier 1 on 16 February. David Miller captains the side, as he has since the first season, and Trevor Penney is head coach. Season 5 starts on Sunday 17 January 2027, and after four seasons without a title, the Royals' wait is the story of their campaign.
Frequently asked questions
What is Nqobani Mokoena's role for Paarl Royals?
He is a bowler in one of the squad's under-23 places, retained for SA20 Season 5. He adds young pace to an attack led by Ottniel Baartman and Hardus Viljoen.
Was Nqobani Mokoena retained by Paarl Royals?
Yes. He was one of 17 players the Royals retained, alongside fellow under-23 players JJ Basson and Lhuan-dre Pretorius.
When does SA20 Season 5 start?
On Sunday 17 January 2027. The opener is Sunrisers Eastern Cape against Pretoria Capitals at St George's Park, starting at 3:30 PM SAST.