The South Africa Under-19 (SA U19) cricket team is gearing up under the leadership of David Teeger, set to spearhead their campaign in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 on home turf next month. Coach Malibongwe Maketa expressed the team’s excitement as they gear up for a crucial 50-over tri-series against Afghanistan and India at Johannesburg’s Old Edwardians Cricket Club from December 29 to January 10.
Teeger, leading a squad brimming with talent, is accompanied by notable players like Kwena Maphaka, Steve Stolk, and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who have been selected by SA20 teams for the upcoming high-profile league. Maketa acknowledged the buzz within the team, stating, “There are some butterflies, but from the whole group, the coaching staff and players, there is loads of excitement. We’re looking forward to the challenge ahead, starting with the tri-series.”
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The squad, featuring top youth cricketers from various provinces, aims to fine-tune their skills and strategies ahead of the World Cup, drawing inspiration from the recent successes of senior Proteas teams. Maketa emphasized the team’s aspiration to replicate the achievements of the Proteas Women’s team in the T20 World Cup 2023 held in South Africa.
The SA U19s, led by Teeger, are grouped with England, Scotland, and West Indies in Group B for the World Cup. Their journey commences against West Indies at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on January 19.
The team’s participation in a series of tri-series fixtures against India and Afghanistan will be pivotal in their preparation. The fixtures are scheduled to take place at the Old Edwardians Cricket Club as follows:
- Sunday, 31 December: South Africa U19 vs. Afghanistan U19
- Tuesday, 02 January: South Africa U19 vs. India U19
- Saturday, 06 January: South Africa U19 vs. India U19
- Monday, 08 January: South Africa U19 vs. Afghanistan U19
- Wednesday, 10 January: Final
With Teeger leading from the front, the SAU19 squad is focused and determined to put forth their best performances, aiming to clinch the World Cup title on their home ground.
