SA U19 coach Malibongwe Maketa says his side is embracing the challenge of the U19 World Cup in Namibia and Zimbabwe.
The Junior Proteas head into the global showpiece confident in their preparation, having been drawn in Group D alongside Afghanistan, Tanzania and the West Indies.
South Africa will be based in Windhoek for the group stage, with the knockout rounds set to be played in Zimbabwe.
“This group of Junior Proteas has been preparing for this moment for the last two years,” Maketa said. “They were identified through CSA’s pathway structures and further developed through multiple camps and youth series.”
He highlighted the balance many players have had to strike between cricket and their schooling, noting that JJ Basson, Michael Kruiskamp and Jason Rowles will begin their matric year in 2026.
Maketa added that the squad reflects the reach and effectiveness of South Africa’s talent identification system, which continues to uncover players from across the country, including township schools and under-resourced communities.
“Having worked with these players for an extended period, we’ve been able to monitor their progress through camps and assess their performances at Khaya Majola and Cubs Week. Through this, we believe we’ve identified the right characters to perform under the pressures of a World Cup.
“This team is a testament to the effectiveness of our pathway. These players were identified early and given opportunities within a structured system, benefiting from quality facilities and coaching through the Talent Acceleration Programme leads across the provinces.
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“Our players may be young in years, but their maturity, discipline and commitment to each other go beyond their age. We don’t see them as just juniors; we see them as competitors ready to carry the hopes of a nation.
“This team represents the future of South African cricket. These players are committed, disciplined and deeply proud to represent their country. They’ve earned their place through hard work and sacrifice, and they will compete with courage and humility.”
SA U19 squad – JJ Basson (Lions), Daniel Bosman (Western Province), Corne Botha (Lions), Muhammad Bulbulia (KZN Inland), Paul James (Western Province), Enathi Khitshini (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)
SA U19 World Cup group fixtures (all matches start at 9:30am)
Friday, 16 January: vs Afghanistan, HP Oval, Windhoek
Monday, 19 January: vs Tanzania, HP Oval, Windhoek
Thursday, 22 January: vs West Indies, HP Oval, Windhoek
