South African Baseball National U-15 Team announced

South African Baseball today proudly announced the National U15 team set to compete in the upcoming World Cup Africa U15 Qualifier to be held in South Africa at the Boksburg Cardinals Baseball Club from 12 – 14 January 2024.

Head Coach Clive Pretorius will lead the charge, supported by the coaching staff: Paul van der Merwe, Thabang Letsoalo, Victor Ngoepe, Gavin Bennett, and Dean McKinnon. This seasoned team of mentors brings a wealth of experience, ensuring the young athletes receive top-tier guidance as they prepare for the international stage.

The roster showcases the wide reach of South African baseball, with players hailing from various regions selected to proudly represent South Africa:

Team

• Ethan Beaumont-Thomas (Western Cape)
• Cameron Combrink (Western Cape)
• Joshua Caleb Cook (Gauteng)
• Caylum De Wet (Gauteng)
• Lyle Farrell (Western Cape)
• Teegan Fradd (Western Cape)
• Logan Gardner (Gauteng)
• Tyler Govender (Western Cape)
• Baariq Hermans (Western Cape)
• Rian Kuyk (Western Cape)
• Jamie Moran (Western Cape)
• Jayden Nicholls (Western Cape)
• Ruan Olifant (Eastern Cape)
• Luca Orgill (Western Cape)
• Tyler Peters (Western Cape)
• Cadynn Samuels (Western Cape)
• Connor Stander (Western Cape)
• Sthembiso Chuma (Limpopo)
• Liam van der Westhuizen (Gauteng)
• Zac Young (Western Cape)

Reserves

• Tatum White (GPBC)
• Schalk Willemse (Eastern Cape)
• Sean Cupido (Western Cape)
• Godfrey Seshebedi (Limpopo)
• Julian Klaassen (Western Cape)

This event not only serves as a testament to the talent within the country but also provides these young athletes with a platform to showcase their skills on the global stage.

South African Baseball President Marc Moreau said, "South African Baseball is proud to host two African Championships this year, serving as qualifiers for the U-15 and U-23 World Cups, and we look forward to welcoming all the participating nations."

This event and the upcoming National Baseball Championships (NBC) provide the perfect opportunity for players to be recognized for consideration for the possible next WBSC U-15 World Cup.

Follow the journey of the South African National U15 team on social media using the hashtag #SouthAfricanBaseball.

South African Baseball Wins Bid to Host U15 & U23 WBSC Baseball World Cup Africa Qualifiers

South African Baseball is proud to announce winning the bids to host the WBSC Baseball World Cup Africa Qualifiers for both the U15 and U23 age groups.

Both of these events will be held at the Boksburg Cardinals Baseball Club in Gauteng, with the U15 qualifier scheduled for 10-15 January 2024, and the U23 qualifier set for 21-27 February 2024.

South Africa is the current Baseball 5 Seniors Africa Champions and has successfully competed at the World Seniors World Cup and is currently ranked No 7 in the World.

The WBSC Africa World Cup Qualifiers for Seniors Baseball 5 will be hosted by Cape Verde between 5 and 15 February 2024. Two teams from Africa will be looking to qualify for the event to be held in Hong Kong next year.

The timelines dictated by the World Baseball and Softball Confederation will see the South African Baseball coaches and commissions now go to work to balance a very tight schedule as they engage
with various provinces and districts to accommodate the requirements and time frames.

South African Baseball President, Mr. Marc Moreau, stated, "We are thrilled to be hosting these international showpieces and are proud of the fact that the World Baseball and Softball Confederation has entrusted these events to South Africa."

There is no doubt that the U15 and U23 qualifiers set to take place at the Boksburg Cardinals will prove to be an enormous crowd attraction, with the Cardinals having successfully hosted the South
African National Baseball Championships (NBC) earlier this year.