SA U19 Squad Confirmed for Namibia Tour Ahead of U19 World Cup

SA U19 Men’s Squad Confirmed for Namibia Tour as World Cup 2026 Preparation Intensifies

As momentum builds toward the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by Namibia and Zimbabwe, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has officially unveiled the South Africa U19 Men’s squad for a crucial three-match 50-over tour of Namibia. The tour is scheduled from 28 April to 2 May 2025 and marks another step in CSA’s long-term development strategy for the junior Proteas.

Announced on Friday, 4 April, the squad features a mix of continuity and fresh promise. Five changes have been made from the team that secured a 2-1 series victory over England earlier this year, with new faces earning their stripes on the back of standout performances in domestic and Emerging U19 fixtures.

Building Depth Ahead of the U19 World Cup 2026

This Namibia tour is more than just a bilateral contest it’s a cornerstone of South Africa's preparations for the upcoming World Cup. The matches are expected to provide players with exposure to similar playing conditions they will likely encounter during the global event. CSA’s selection panel, led by Patrick Moroney, has crafted the touring squad with the future in mind, keeping one eye firmly on squad chemistry and adaptability.

“We’ve stuck with the core group of players who have performed consistently,” Moroney explained. “But we’ve also rewarded those who impressed during the CSA Emerging U19’s tour to Zimbabwe and the 1-Day Cup. This blend will give us a clear indication of where we stand as we work towards finalising the World Cup squad.”

The emphasis is not just on winning the series but on learning to adapt, take responsibility, and play with a high level of professionalism a quality that will be essential when the stakes are significantly higher next year.

New Talent Injected with Strategic Intent

Among the most notable additions to the squad are Waco Bassick (Western Province), a dynamic all-rounder, and Kamogelo Phiri (Lions), a wicketkeeper-batsman who has impressed selectors with both gloves and bat. Also joining the ranks are Dayalan Boyce and Bayanda Majola, pace bowlers from the Dolphins who step up after solid contributions with the CSA Emerging U19 unit.

This selection reflects CSA’s renewed emphasis on rewarding form and development over reputation. For the young players, especially those earning their first U19 caps, this tour is an opportunity to show that they are more than ready for the international stage. Fast bowler JJ Basson also makes a welcome return after injury ruled him out of the England series, strengthening the pace attack significantly.

Leadership has been split between Muhammad Bulbulia of North West and Jason Rowles from the Lions. The dual-captaincy strategy, under the guidance of head coach Malibongwe Maketa, is seen as a way to nurture future leaders while also fostering team cohesion and shared responsibility.

High-Performance Backing and Management Team

Supporting this young squad is a highly experienced management and coaching unit. From former Proteas like Imraan Khan (batting coach) and Paul Adams (bowling coach), to fielding specialist Thabang Kumalo, the players are surrounded by mentors who understand both the technical and psychological demands of international cricket.

Maketa himself has brought calm authority to the junior setup. His methodical, player-first approach has already been praised during the England series, and this tour presents another platform to instil game awareness, discipline, and resilience. With fixtures against a host nation and in warm conditions, adaptability will be the buzzword throughout the camp.

What to Expect in Namibia

The three 50-over matches will be held in Windhoek, with the first two taking place at the Namibia Cricket Ground and the final match at the High Performance Oval. The matches begin on April 28 and wrap on May 2. Conditions in Namibia are expected to be dry and slightly slow, offering a test of technique for both pacers and spinners while challenging batters to construct their innings carefully.

Namibia has been an emerging force in youth and senior cricket in recent years, with several of their U19 talents pushing toward senior selection. The hosts will not be pushovers, and the South African team will need to maintain high standards to ensure their preparation trajectory remains on course.

The Bigger Picture: From Bilateral Series to World Stage

While the upcoming tour is a focal point, CSA’s broader developmental roadmap includes an extended camp for the wider focus group and an upcoming home series against Bangladesh U19. These engagements are vital in shaping the final World Cup squad, but also in providing enough high-pressure cricket to prepare the young Proteas for the challenges of global competition.

This layered approach international exposure, specialist coaching, and strategic squad rotation is in line with CSA’s aim to ensure their U19 system remains among the best in the world.

Final Thoughts

For the SA U19 Men’s squad, the tour to Namibia is not just about fine-tuning skill sets it’s about reinforcing identity, purpose, and belief. With a coaching staff that believes in holistic development and a selection panel committed to meritocracy, this team is being built not just for one tournament, but for sustainable excellence in South African cricket.

The countdown to the ICC U19 World Cup 2026 has begun. And in Windhoek later this month, fans will catch an early glimpse of South Africa’s next generation of cricketing stars.