Van Tonder to lead South Africa in ICC U19 Cricket World Cup

Raynard van Tonder will lead the 15-man South Africa side in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand next year, Cricket South Africa announced on Monday.

Wandile Makwetu, the wicketkeeper-batsman, is the only player in the side who featured in the 2016 edition of the tournament, played in Bangladesh.

Matthew Breetzke, also a wicketkeeper-batsman who has already played seven first-class games, has been included in the squad. Makhaya Ntini's son, Thando Ntini, who is also a fast bowler, has also been named in the side.

“Congratulations to all the players who will be representing our country in New Zealand," said Thabang Moroe, the acting CEO of CSA.

“We wish them everything of the best in the knowledge that they will represent us well and maintain the standards set by their predecessors. I also extend best wishes to our head coach, Lawrence Mahatlane, and his management team who I know will leave no stone unturned to ensure our squad is well prepared."

South Africa, who won the 2014 U19 CWC, is drawn in Group A along with New Zealand, Windies, the defending champion, and Kenya.

“I’m very excited as a coach to take this group to New Zealand,” remarked Lawrence Mahatlane, the coach. “They are massively talented with the potential for even greater things and I’m confident that we have chosen the combination that will give us the desired results.”

South Africa will start its campaign against Kenya on January 14 in Lincoln before heading to Mount Maunganui to face Windies and New Zealand on January 17 and 20 respectively.

Squad:

Raynard van Tonder (capt), Matthew Breetzke (wk), Jean du Plessis, Jason Niemand, Gerald Coetzee, Jade de Klerk, Fraser Jones, Wandile Makwetu (wk), Andile Mogakane, Kgaudise Molefe, Thando Ntini, Jiveshen Pillay, Hermann Rolfes, Kenan Smith, Akhona Mnyaka.