JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced the South Africa Under-19 Men’s squad that will represent the nation at the 16th edition of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup. The tournament will be held in Namibia and Zimbabwe from 15 January to 6 February 2026.
KZN Inland’s Muhammad Bulbulia will lead the squad, having already impressed the team in recent Youth competitions.
South Africa has been drawn in Group D alongside the West Indies, Afghanistan, and Tanzania.
The Junior Proteas will be officially capped at a special ceremony on 06 January at the CSA Head Office.
Ahead of the global showpiece, the team will face India in three Youth ODIs at Willowmoore Park, Benoni, from 05–07 January 2026, under the guidance of head coach Malibongwe Maketa.
South Africa U19 Squad: ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026
JJ Basson (Lions), Daniel Bosman (Western Province), Corne Botha (Lions), Muhammad Bulbulia (KZN Inland), Paul James (Western Province), Enathi Khitshini Tembalethu (SWD), Michael Kruiskamp (Western Province), Adnaan Lagadien (Western Province), Bayanda Majola (Dolphins), Armaan Manack (Lions), Bandile Mbatha (Dolphins), Lethabo Phahlamohlaka (Titans), Jason Rowles (Lions), Ntandoyenkosi Soni (Eastern Province), Jorich van Schalkwyk (Titans).
Head coach, Maketa, commented on the readiness of the squad:
“What has impressed me most is the growth these players have shown. From meeting them as 16-year-olds to seeing who they are now, it’s clear we’re developing not just cricketers, but good young men for this country.
“Cricket-wise, their understanding of the intensity required at international level has been outstanding. They’ve gone back to work with their coaches and returned with a new level of intent at every session, exactly what’s needed to compete at a World Cup.
“I’m very confident in this group. Their progress, combined with the culture we’ve built based on hard work, resilience, and putting the team first, gives me real belief. They’ve embraced those values with hunger and quiet confidence, and that makes me excited about what we can achieve,” said Maketa.
SA U19 Convenor of Selectors, Patrick Moroney, said:
“We are pleased with the balance and depth of this squad. Every player selected has earned their place through consistent performances and a strong work ethic.
“This group has shown real maturity in pressure situations, and we believe they have the skill, temperament, and character needed to compete at the highest level of youth cricket. We are confident they will represent South Africa with pride and purpose,”
Management :
Malibongwe Maketa (Head Coach), Blanche Conradie (Team Manager), Imraan Khan (Batting Coach), Paul Adams (Bowling Coach),Thabang Kumalo (Fielding Coach), Tumi Masekela (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Sheenagh Jordaan (Physiotherapist), Kyle Southgate (High-Performance Analyst), Dr Phumi Skosana (Team Doctor), Eugene Oppelt (Performance Psychologist), Alungile Nyakambi (Media Specialist), Lara van der Dussen (Educator), Rosey Lombard (Performance Dietitian – non-travelling).
SA U19 Men Fixtures: ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 (15 January – 06 February)
Friday, 16 January, Afghanistan v South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek
Monday, 19 January, South Africa v Tanzania, HP Oval, Windhoek
Thursday, 22 January, West Indies v South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek
Tuesday, 03 February, First semi-final, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Wednesday, 04 February, Second semi-final, Harare Sports Club, Harare
Friday, 06 February, Final, Harare Sports Club, Harare
Source: cricket.co.za
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