Cricket South Africa (CSA) today announced the South Africa U19 Women’s squad that will take on Ireland U19 in a five-match Youth T20 International (T20I) series from 28 October to 1 November 2024.
The matches will be held at the Groenkloof Oval in Tshwane, marking a key step in the team's preparation for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025, set to be hosted in Malaysia.
The 15-player squad includes seven players who were part of South Africa's squad at the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in 2023. This group includes Jemma Botha, Mona-Lisa Legodi, Simoné Lourens, Karabo Meso, Seshnie Naidu, Nthabiseng Nini, and Kayla Reyneke, who bring valuable youth international experience.
Additionally, Diara Ramlakan, a reserve for the 2023 World Cup, has also been called up for this exciting series.
Notably, both Naidu and Meso have progressed to the senior national team, making their Proteas Women debuts in the past year. Naidu is currently representing South Africa in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the United Arab Emirates.
Head coach Dinesha Devnarain emphasised the importance of the upcoming series, highlighting it as a vital opportunity to test the team's skills ahead of the 2025 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
"It's paramount. Any type of cricket at this age group is crucial. Having an international team come to our home conditions is a great test to see where we stand, both in terms of skill and preparation for the World Cup."
Devnarain also praised the returning players from the 2023 World Cup squad, stating: "Even though we have returning players, they still had to earn their spots. Players like Seshnie Naidu, Karabo Meso, Kayla Reyneke, Nthabiseng Nini, and Mona-Lisa Legodi will play massive roles with their World Cup experience and senior provincial cricket exposure.
"They understand the team's culture and standards, both on and off the field, and will be key in guiding the team."
Regarding the series goals, the coach expressed the desire for a series win but emphasised the importance of continual improvement.
"In the high-performance space, we look for that one per cent improvement. We’ll benchmark against our previous series to see how we’re shaping up. If we nail our brand of cricket, regardless of the results, we’ll be heading in the right direction."
SA U19 Women Convenor of Selectors AJ Rudman said: “We are incredibly excited to see the South Africa U19 Women return to competitive action on home soil. This series against Ireland offers a fantastic opportunity for these talented youngsters to gain vital match experience as they prepare for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia next year.
“I would like to congratulate the 15 future stars who have been selected to represent South Africa. We wish them, as well as the coaching staff under the guidance of Dinesha Devnarain, all the best in this important series.”
SOUTH AFRICA U19 WOMEN SQUAD
Jemma Botha (World Sports Betting Western Province), Fay Cowling (DP World Lions), Jae-Leigh Filander (World Sports Betting Western Province), Mona-Lisa Legodi (Fidelity Titans), Simoné Lourens (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Nthabiseng Nini (North West Dragons), Luyanda Nzuza (Recon Tactical Free State), Diara Ramlakan (DP World Lions), Kayla Reyneke (World Sports Betting Western Province), Diedré van Rensburg (North West Dragons), Mieke van Voorst (Eastern Storm), Ashleigh van Wyk (Eastern Storm), Chanel Venter (Fidelity Titans)
FIXTURES:
Monday, 28 October
1st Youth T20I, 9:30am: South Africa U19 Women v Ireland U19 (Groenkloof Oval, Tshwane)
2nd Youth T20I, 2pm: South Africa U19 Women v Ireland U19 (Groenkloof Oval, Tshwane)
Wednesday, 30 October
3rd Youth T20I, 2pm: South Africa U19 Women v Ireland (Groenkloof Oval, Tshwane)
Friday, 1 November
4th Youth T20I, 9:30am: South Africa U19 Women v Ireland U19 (Groenkloof Oval, Tshwane)
5th Youth T20I, 2pm: South Africa U19 Women v Ireland U19 (Groenkloof Oval, Tshwane)