Same name, different eras: Namibia’s Faf du Plessis steps into the spotlight

Dubai: Sharing a name with a cricket great comes with expectations, and for one Namibian teenager, it’s more than just a coincidence.

Franscois Schalk du Plessis, better known as Faf, has been named captain of Namibia’s Under-19 team for the World Cup qualifiers. Like his more famous namesake, the former South African skipper, he is a right-handed batter who also bowls leg-spin.

Faf du Plessis-led Namibia will kick off their qualifying campaign against Nigeria on March 28 in Lagos before facing Kenya, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Uganda. The 2026 U-19 World Cup will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia, but while Zimbabwe has secured direct qualification as a host nation, Namibia must go through the regional qualifiers.

Australia enter the tournament as the defending champions after beating India in the 2024 final in South Africa. Their road to the title included a nail-biting one-wicket win over Pakistan in the semi-finals, while India edged out hosts South Africa by two wickets in a tense finish.

While young Faf is gearing up for his U-19 campaign, the 40-year-old South African, whose full name is Francois du Plessis, is preparing for his 13th Indian Premier League season. The former Proteas skipper, who made his IPL debut in 2012, will embark on a new chapter after being picked by Delhi Capitals for his base price of Rs20 million in the 2024 mega auction in Jeddah.

On Monday, the JMR-backed franchise confirmed du Plessis as vice-captain to Axar Patel, who will lead Delhi Capitals for the first time. The franchise will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants in Visakhapatnam on Monday.

“You mean right now? I’m at home, where else would I be? Yes, that’s true, I’m vice-captain of DC and I’m very excited. Delhi’s been great, the boys have been fantastic, definitely feel happy and I feel ready,” du Plessis said in a video shared by the franchise.

One Faf is just beginning his journey, carrying the weight of a legendary name into Namibia’s Under-19 campaign. The other, a seasoned pro, is taking on a leadership role in one of the world’s biggest T20 leagues. Their paths may be different, but their love for the game remains the same.