South Africa U19 Women Begin Preparations for 2027 T20 World Cup

South Africa U19 Women Kickstart Preparations for 2027 T20 World Cup with National Training Camps

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has initiated a crucial step in its long-term vision for women's cricket by launching two national training camps for the South Africa Under-19 Women’s team. These camps mark the beginning of the squad’s journey towards the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2027, which will be jointly hosted by Bangladesh and Nepal.

The first training camp is set to take place from March 20-23 at the CSA Centre of Excellence in Tshwane, gathering 24 of the most promising young players in the country. The selection includes several rising stars from the historic 2025 U19 Women’s World Cup campaign, where South Africa finished as runners-up to India. Among them are Ashleigh van Wyk, Diedré van Rensburg, and Chanel Venter, whose performances earned them a place in this new development phase.

A Comprehensive Selection Process to Uncover Hidden Talent

To build a competitive squad capable of challenging for the 2027 title, CSA has expanded its scouting efforts through the Talent Acceleration Programme (TAP). A total of 50 players have been identified following rigorous scouting during the national U13, U16, and U19 tournaments held at the end of 2024.

Head coach Dinesha Devnarain emphasized the meticulous selection process and CSA’s commitment to ensuring no talent goes unnoticed. “While myself and the management team were in Malaysia for the World Cup, the TAP leads and selectors monitored performances at the national weeks. That’s how we got to the 50 identified players,” Devnarain explained.

Recognizing that young players may not always perform at their best in high-pressure tournaments, CSA is also planning a nationwide roadshow to provide additional opportunities for talented individuals to showcase their skills. “We want to make sure we’ve explored every avenue and reached every potential player. Sometimes, an athlete may not shine at a national tournament, but we want to give them another shot in a less pressurized environment,” she added.

Fitness and Skill Development: A Key Focus for the Camp

The upcoming four-day training camp will concentrate on refining skills, increasing match readiness, and elevating fitness levels. Devnarain, who is keen on establishing a high-performance culture within the squad, has emphasized the need to prioritize physical conditioning.

“The first day of camp is dedicated entirely to fitness. We want to be the fittest team at the next World Cup, and that’s something we can control. Our goal is to set new fitness standards for this squad,” she said.

Apart from fitness drills, the camp will include skill-based training sessions and match simulations. The coaching staff will closely observe player interactions, decision-making on the field, and leadership potential. “We’ll put them through two matches, along with skill sessions, to see how they handle live situations. We want to assess their approach, their communication, and who naturally steps up as a leader,” Devnarain added.

Blending Experience with Emerging Talent

A crucial aspect of this preparatory phase is merging experienced players with fresh talent. Several cricketers from the 2025 U19 Women’s World Cup squad remain eligible for the 2027 campaign, and their exposure to international competition will be invaluable in shaping the next generation.

Devnarain stressed that past selections do not guarantee a place in the final squad for 2027. “It’ll be the same message we gave to the previous group: nothing is guaranteed. You have to meet the demands of international cricket and fit into the brand of cricket we want to play in South Africa.”

She also highlighted the importance of fostering a strong team culture by integrating experienced players with newcomers. “We want to match up those who have played in a World Cup before with those who haven’t. This will help us assess where the gaps are—both in terms of skills and mental preparation.”

Looking Ahead: A Strategic Approach to 2027

CSA’s strategy for the U19 women’s team aligns with a broader effort to strengthen women’s cricket in South Africa. By starting early and investing in player development, the governing body aims to ensure the national squad is in peak condition by the time the 2027 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup arrives.

Devnarain is confident that this well-structured approach will yield positive results. “We are looking forward to beginning our 2027 preparations with 50 players who have already shown great potential at the provincial level. It’s an excellent way to start, and we’re eager to see how they develop over the next few years.”

The SA U19 Women’s Training Camp Squad (March 20-23)

Among the 24 players selected for the first training camp are standout names from various provinces, representing the future of South African women’s cricket.

The squad includes:

• Daneli Boshoff (Boland)

• Nonhlanhla Danisa (Lions)

• Magdaleen Ernst (Lions)

• Tiche Frans (Garden Route Badgers)

• Jessica Joshua (North West)

• Miya Lalor (Western Province)

• Siphokuhle Masilela (Easterns)

• Kananelo Mokoena (Easterns)

• Boitumelo Motsabi (Free State)

• Taymin Muggels (Boland)

• Shelfa Mukhuri (Limpopo)

• Rethabile Nthoba (Free State)

• Lebogang Rakoeane (Free State)

• Erin Scrooby (Western Province)

• Gabriella Sequira (Titans)

• Shreeya Subbiah (Dolphins)

• Melissa van der Merwe (Boland)

• Maria Elizabeth van der Vyfer (Boland)

• Diedré van Rensburg (North West)

• Imaan van Schalkwyk (Western Province)

• Mieke van Voorst (Easterns)

• Ashleigh van Wyk (Easterns)

• Chanel Venter (Titans)

• Jané Verhage (Titans)

With an exciting blend of talent and experience, South Africa’s U19 Women’s team is on the path to building a formidable squad for the 2027 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup. As the journey unfolds, CSA remains committed to nurturing the next generation of women’s cricketing stars and ensuring a strong showing on the global stage.