South Africa have unveiled their 15-man squad for the ICC Under-19 World Cup, with allrounder Muhammed Bulbulia appointed captain. The tournament will be held in Namibia and Zimbabwe from January 15 to February 6.
Placed in Group D, South Africa will face West Indies, Afghanistan, and Tanzania, aiming for their first U19 World Cup title since 2014. Bulbulia, who has impressed in recent youth competitions, will lead a squad focused on combining talent with tactical maturity.
Ahead of the tournament, South Africa will play three Youth ODIs against India at Willowmoore Park, Benoni, from January 5 to 7, to fine-tune preparations.
Head coach Malibongwe Maketa praised the team’s development, highlighting their growth, intensity, and team-first culture. “They’ve embraced hard work and resilience with quiet confidence,” Maketa said. “I’m very confident this group is ready to compete at a World Cup.”
South Africa open their campaign on January 16 against Afghanistan at the HP Oval in Windhoek.
South Africa squad for Under-19 World Cup:
Muhammad Bulbulia (C), JJ Basson, Daniel Bosman, Corne Botha, Paul James, Enathi Khitshini Tembalethu, Michael Kruiskamp, Adnaan Lagadien, Bayanda Majola, Armaan Manack, Bandile Mbatha, Lethabo Phahlamohlaka, Jason Rowles, Ntandoyenkosi Soni, Jorich van Schalkwyk.
