Muhammad Bulbulia will captain South Africa at the U19 World Cup in Namibia and Zimbabwe.

The tournament takes place from 15 January to 6 February. South Africa are in Group D alongside the West Indies, Afghanistan and Tanzania.

As part of their preparations, SA U19 will face India in three Youth ODIs at Willowmoore Park in Benoni from 5-7 January.

“What has impressed me most is the growth these players have shown,” said SA U19 coach Malibongwe Maketa. “From meeting them as 16-year-olds to seeing who they are now, it’s clear we’re developing not just cricketers, but good young men for this country.

“Cricket-wise, their understanding of the intensity required at international level has been outstanding. They’ve gone back to work with their coaches and returned with a new level of intent at every session, exactly what’s needed to compete at a World Cup.

“I’m very confident in this group. Their progress, combined with the culture we’ve built based on hard work, resilience, and putting the team first, gives me real belief. They’ve embraced those values with hunger and quiet confidence, and that makes me excited about what we can achieve.”

SA U19 squad: JJ Basson (Lions), Daniel Bosman (Western Province), Corne Botha (Lions), Muhammad Bulbulia (KZN Inland), Paul James (Western Province), Enathi Khitshini Tembalethu (SWD), Michael Kruiskamp (Western Province), Adnaan Lagadien (Western Province), Bayanda Majola (Dolphins), Armaan Manack (Lions), Bandile Mbatha (Dolphins), Lethabo Phahlamohlaka (Titans), Jason Rowles (Lions), Ntandoyenkosi Soni (Eastern Province), Jorich van Schalkwyk (Titans).

Photo: Zimbabwe Cricket