Former Proteas cricketers Jonty Rhodes and Dave Callaghan have been named in South Africa’s squad for the Over-50 World Cup.

Henry Williams and Pieter Strydom, who were implicated in match-fixing in 2000, have also been included in the squad. Williams is currently the head coach of Boland.

Batsman Louis Koen and seamer Alan Dawson, who played ODI cricket for South Africa, have been selected as well.

‘It is a huge honour and one I never imagined would happen again,’ said Rhodes.

‘Another chance at a World Cup after my career ended at the 2003 event – it is super exciting. It’s a first World Cup for most of the guys but, for me and Dawson who was also part of the 1999 squad, it’s another chance to try and win one.’

Former Proteas fast bowler Allan Donald was confirmed as the team’s head coach earlier this year.

‘It’s a strong squad on paper and I have no doubt they’ll do their country proud, but there’s a lot of hard work to do before the tournament because teams like Pakistan and the West Indies are also full of former internationals while England and Australia have long established Veterans leagues so they’re always strong,’ added Donald.

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The captain will be announced closer to the tournament, which will be played in South Africa in March 2020.

Convenor of selectors Steve Palframan concluded: ‘Trials were held in five cities around the country and a lot of very good players were extremely unlucky to miss out. But we’ve got a lot of experience in the squad and, provided we stay fit there’s no reason we can’t win it.’

Squad: Jonty Rhodes, Dave Callaghan, Louis Koen, Alan Dawson, Pieter Strydom, Kenny Jackson, Dave Holgate, Anwell Newman, Neil Fusedale, Rodney Malamba, Mlungisi Ngece, Dave Duncan, Warne Rippon, Brad Player, Nazeem White, Henry Williams.