U19 World Cup winner takes captaincy

Sibonelo Makhanya has been named captain of South Africa’s Under-19 team for the tour of England starting later this month.

The KwaZulu-Natal batsman is one of only two players who were part of the Under-19 squad that won the World Cup earlier this year.

“This is a dream come true,” Makhanya told ESPN Cricinfo. “Every young boy dreams of representing the green and gold and to be asked to captain the squad too means so much more to me.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to prove myself and excited to lead the team going to England.”

The tour of England includes two Tests and five One Day Internationals and will be the first under new coach Lawrence Mahatlane.

“This tour to England will be a good opportunity for us to measure ourselves against one of the top teams in the world and begin that long trek to defending the World Cup title,” Mahatlane said.

Squad Sibonelo Makhanya (capt, KZN), Marques Ackerman (Gauteng), Aiden Brooker (Griquas), Matthew Christensen (Western Province), Keith Dudgeon (Gauteng), Brandon Glover (Gauteng), Stefan Klopper (Northerns), Janneman Malan (Northerns), Ndumiso Mvelase (Gauteng), Hanco Olivier (North West), Andile Phehlukwayo (KZN), Ryan Rickleton (Gauteng), Grant Roelofsen (Gauteng), Kabelo Sekhukhune (Easterns), Lwandiswa Zuma (KZN Inland)