Cricket South Africa have confirmed the South Africa Under-19 squads for this month’s Youth Test and ODI series against England Under-19.
The squads include Western Province Under-19 players Beni Hansen, Paul James, Raeeq Daniels, Daniel Bosman and Adnaan Lagadien. Hansen has been named captain.
The Lions’ Jason Rowles and North West’s Nathan Rossouw, who were named Batter of the Week and Bowler of the Week respectively at the recent Cubs Week, have also been selected. Rowles has been included in both squads. Rossouw has been included in the Youth Test squad
South Africa Under-19 squad for Youth ODI series
- Beni Hansen (Western Province, captain)
- Daniel Bosman (Western Province)
- Raeeq Daniels (Western Province)
- Divan de Villiers (Titans)
- Carl Fryer (North West)
- Paul James (Western Province)
- Enathi Khitshini (South Western Districts)
- Adnaan Lagadien (Western Province)
- Chad Mason (Tuskers)
- Bandile Mbatha (Dolphins)
- Nqobani Mokoena (Dolphins)
- Lethabo Phahlamohlaka (Titans)
- Semal Pillay (Dolphins)
- Jason Rowles (Lions)
- Ntando Soni (Dolphins)
South Africa Under-19 squad for Youth Test series
- Beni Hansen (Western Province, captain)
- Daniel Bosman (Western Province)
- Muhammad Bulbulia (North West)
- Raeeq Daniels (Western Province)
- Divan de Villiers (Titans)
- Paul James (Western Province)
- Martin Khumalo (Easterns)
- Adnaan Lagadien (Western Province)
- Chad Mason (Tuskers)
- Nqobani Mokoena (Dolphins)
- Lethabo Phahlamohlaka (Titans)
- Nathan Rossouw (North West)
- Jason Rowles (Lions)
- Jorich van Schalkwyk (Titans)
- Sandiswa Yeni (Dolphins)
What South Africa Under-19 coach Malibongwe Maketa said
“It’s exciting times, especially for the young group that we have selected to play against seasoned professional cricketers who’ve had exposure into county cricket, List A and first-class cricket,” added Maketa.
“It’s going to give us a great picture of where our boys are in terms of the skills gaps that we need to work on because the bulk of these cricketers that we’ve selected still qualify for next year’s World Cup.
“It’s going to serve a great purpose for our boys and us in terms of preparation. These opportunities don’t come along often to get our boys to play four-day cricket. All of them would be getting that exposure for the first time, so we’re excited in terms of what they’re going to produce.
“Regarding Beni, his captaincy and leadership style, he’s really done really well in terms of leading Western Province at Khaya Majola Week and Cubs Week.
“Most importantly, Beni has been part of our under-19 programme. He toured Bangladesh with us. He’s got a good understanding of how we want to play our cricket.
“And the fact that he plays the style that we like, playing with good positive intent. That made it an easier decision for me to choose him as a captain. He’s grown a lot in the past few months and it’s going to be quite exciting to see how he fronts up to the challenge of England.”
What South Africa Under-19 convenor of selectors Patrick Moroney said
“We are thrilled to see what this talented group will achieve during the series. The squad selection was guided by the specific requirements for success in Western Cape conditions,” added Moroney.
“While performances at the recent Khaya Majola Week and Cubs Week gave us a good reflection on the current form, the selection process forms part of the national Talent Acceleration Programme.
“Most of these players have been followed and monitored over a two-year period at various area, regional and national camps. The Cubs Week is the pinnacle of youth cricket and to see the players being tested under pressure assists with the selection process.
“To those earning their first call-up, congratulations on this significant milestone. Your hard work and performances throughout the year have been exceptional, and you fully deserve this opportunity.
“Good luck to all the players and management – we’re confident you’ll represent South Africa with pride and play positive, competitive cricket.”
South Africa Under-19 v England Under-19 series schedule
Youth ODI Series
- 17 January 2025: first Youth ODI, Western Province Cricket Club, Cape Town
- 19 January 2025: Second Youth ODI, Western Province Cricket Club, Cape Town
- 22 January 2025: Third Youth ODI, Paul Roos Gimnasium, Stellenbosch
Youth Test Series
- 27 to 30 January 2025: first Youth Test, Coertzenburg Cricket Club, Stellenbosch
- 3 to 6 February 2025: second Youth Test, Western Province Cricket Club, Cape Town