Born-Frees are those coming into existence after the fall of apartheid. Rabada said that his parents, as young Black Africans, had their share of struggles while they tried to settle down in their professional lives but ensured that he got the best of everything. “I am glad for everything my parents have done for me, because in the apartheid era, they did not have it easy at all,” he said. It is his desire to make a difference that encouraged him to form a foundation to help the underprivileged children.

“Now I have the opportunity to give back and help the less fortunate through my foundation, it’s coming along nicely. It’s based around cricket but also branch into other sports and education in the future.”

Opportunities have not been a problem for Rabada, who counts his blessings, perhaps the biggest reason why he considers representing the ‘Rainbow Nation’ paramount at a time when there is always the lure for better financial reward. He can avail the KOLPAK deals like some of his teammates.Some of the better South African pacers like Kyle Abbott in 2017 and the much recently Duanne Oliver have availed KOLPAK deals in English county cricket.

The deal allows persons from countries sharing free trade with European Union nations to work as professional. The South African team has been affected by these defections but Rabada termed it an individual choice.