CRICKET NEWS - Cricket SA (CSA) has announced the South Africa U19 men's squad that will represent the nation at the 16th edition of the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup in Namibia and Zimbabwe from 15 January to 6 February.
KZN Inland's Muhammad Bulbulia will lead the squad, having already impressed the team in recent youth competitions.
Enathi Kitshini of the Garden Route Badgers, who hails from Thembalethu, has also been included on the team.
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 at the CSA head office on 6 January.
Kitshini is one of SWD Cricket's fairy-tale stories. He emerged from the hub development system and has represented at all junior levels. In 2024, he was picked for the SA Schools team. Last season he made his debut for the Garden Route Badgers' professional team, and he captains the Garden Route Badgers at the annual Khaya Majola U19 national tournament that started in Bloemfontein on Tuesday 16 December.
Kitshini is the third player from SWD who was selected for the SA U19 team in recent years. The others were Jean du Plessis in 2018 and Tyrece Karelse in 2020.
SWD Cricket's president, Michael Eksteen, has congratulated Kitshini with his inclusion. "We need to pay tribute to our development pipeline and all his coaches who supported him over the years," he said.
Head coach Malibongwe Maketa said the squad is ready.
"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."
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 (SWD), Michael Kruiskamp (Western Province), Adnaan Lagadien (Western Province), Bayanda Majola (Dolphins), Armaan Manack (Lions), Bandile Mbatha (Dolphins), Lethabo Phahlamohlaka (Titans), Jason Rowles (Lions), Ntandoyen-kosi Soni (Eastern Province) and Jorich van Schalkwyk (Titans).
SA U19 Men fixtures: ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2026
• Friday 16 January: Afghanistan vs South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek
• Monday 19 January: South Africa vs Tanzania, HP Oval, Windhoek
• Thursday 22 January: West Indies vs South Africa, HP Oval, Windhoek
• Tuesday 3 February: First semi-final, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
• Wednesday 4 February: Second semi-final, Harare Sports Club, Harare
• Friday 6 February: Final, Harare Sports Club, Harare.
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