Cricket South Africa (CSA) have announced a 15-strong Coca-Cola South Africa u-19 squad to take part in the 12th edition of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand from January 13 to February 3. The team will be captained by Free State’s Raynard van Tonder, who will lead the side for his third major tour.
Other exciting selections include opening batsman Matthew Breetzke, who has already made his franchise debut for the Warriors and was the leading run-scorer for the aspiring Proteas with 238 runs in their recently concluded Youth One-Day triangular series against England and Namibia in Potchefstroom.
Gauteng’s Wandile Makwetu also cracked the nod. The wicket-keeper/batsman is the only player in the squad with previous World Cup experience, having been part of the Bangladesh tournament in 2016.
In the bowling department, 17-year-old Thando Ntini looks set to follow in the footsteps of his father, former Proteas fast bowler Makhaya Ntini. The youngster has impressed selectors over the last 12 months and is well deserving of his spot in youth cricket’s showpiece event.
“Congratulations to all the players who will be representing our country in New Zealand,” said CSA acting CEO Thabang Moroe. “We wish them everything of the best in the knowledge that they will represent us well and maintain the standards set by their predecessors. I also extend best wishes to our head coach, Lawrence Mahatlane, and his management team, who I know will leave no stone unturned to ensuring our squad is well prepared.”
The u-19 World Cup, which is held every two years, will see 16 teams facing off for a chance to claim the 2018 honours. South Africa, under the captaincy of recently capped Proteas Test opening batsman Aiden Markram, won the 2014 edition of the competition. Players born on or after 1 September 1998 are eligible to participate.
South Africa will make up Group A with hosts New Zealand, defending champions West Indies and Kenya. Group B comprises Australia, India, Papua New Guinea and Zimbabwe; Group C includes Bangladesh, Canada, England and Namibia; and Group D rounds off with Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Ireland.
Coca-Cola South Africa u-19 ICC World Cup squad:
Raynard van Tonder (capt, Free State), Matthew Breetzke (Eastern Province), Jean du Plessis (South Western Districts), Jason Niemand (Border), Gerald Coetzee (Free State), Jade de Klerk (Eastern Province), Fraser Jones (KZN inland), Wandile Makwetu (Gauteng), Andile Mogakane (KZN coastal), Kgaudise Molefe (Gauteng), Thando Ntini (Western Province), Jiveshen Pillay (Northerns), Hermann Rolfes (Northerns), Kenan Smith (Eastern Province), Akhona Mnyaka (Border).
Management:
Lawrence Mahatlane (head coach), Wandile Gwavu (assistant coach), Chris van Noordwyk (assistant coach), Riaan Osman (manager), Kyle Southgate (performance analyst), Lizahn Naude (physiotherapist), Sipokazi Sokanyile (media liaison), Runeshan Moodley (fitness trainer), Robin Peterson (technical consultant), Maurice Aronstam (mental conditioning coach).
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