Young Proteas need to do the job on the field
Preparation has not been ideal with captain, David Teeger, being stripped of his leadership role a couple of days before the tournament kicks off in Potchefstroom. Juan James, a former NW Dragons player and current Western Province all-rounder, will now take over the captaincy. Despite the off-field events, South Africa truly has a world class squad of youngsters who will wow fans and strike fear into their opponents.
Being a host nation of a major sporting tournament can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how you look at it.
If history is to repeat itself, then the host nation of the 2024 ICC u.19 Cricket World Cup, South Africa, will need to dig really deep to hoist the title.
In the 14 previous editions of the tournament, only Australia in 1988 could take home the title as hosts. Since then, not other host nation has been able to lift the coveted trophy.
The class of 2024 will look to rewrite their own piece of history and win the trophy in front of their home crowd.
Preparation has not been ideal with captain, David Teeger, being stripped of his leadership role a couple of days before the tournament kicks off in Potchefstroom. Juan James, a former NW Dragons player and current Western Province all-rounder, will now take over the captaincy.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) issued a statement on Friday, 12 January, expressing that Teeger will not longer captain the u.19 side to security related issues with possible protests. Teeger has previously stated his support for Israeli soldiers in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict last year during his Rising Star awards speech at the Absa Jewish Achiever Awards.
“We have been advised that protests related to the war in Gaza can be anticipated at the venues for the tournament. We have also been advised that they are likely to focus on the position of the SA Under-19 (SA U19) captain, David Teeger, and that there is a risk that they could result in conflict or even violence, including between rival groups of protestors. CSA has a primary duty to safeguard the interests and safety of all those involved in the World Cup and must accordingly respect the expert advice of those responsible for the safety of participants and spectators. In all the circumstances, CSA has decided that David should be relieved of the captaincy,” added CSA in their statement.
Despite the off-field events, South Africa truly has a world class squad of youngsters who will wow fans and strike fear into their opponents. Kwena Maphaka is a devastating left arm swing bowler with tremendous pace. Maphaka already showed his quality in the warm-up match against Pakistan on Saturday (13 January). Maphaka took 3/18 in 5 overs.
Riley Norton also showed his skill with 2/18 in 6 overs. On the batting front, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Steve Stolk, Richard Seletswane, Dewan Marais and Romashan Pillay will look to score the majority of runs for the boys in green and gold.
The Proteas face tricky opposition in the always exuberant, West Indies, England (who finished as runners-up in 2022) as well as Scotland, who will have nothing to lose.
“Even though we know there will be expectation because we are playing at home, we want to embrace that pressure, we want to play good cricket and reward the people that come support us,” stated Malibongwe Maketa, South Africa head coach.
SA Squad:
David Teeger, Tristan Luus, Juan James (captain), Martin Khumalo, Kwena Maphaka, Dewan Marias, Riley Norton, Nqobani Mokoena, Romashan Pillay, Sipho Potsane, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Richard Seletswane, Oliver Whitehead, Steve Stolk, and Ntando Zuma
SA Fixtures (All matches at the J.B. Marks Oval)
Friday, 19 January – 10:00
South Africa U19 vs West Indies U19
Tuesday, 23 January – 10:00
South Africa U19 vs England U19
Saturday, 27 January – 10:00
Scotland U19 vs South Africa U19
