South Africa U18 Boys Programme Builds Toward African Championship as ETS Squad Announced

South African Baseball has confirmed the Under 18 Boys Elite Training Squad (ETS) following the South African National Baseball Championships 2026, recently held in Boksburg, Gauteng.

The National Championships once again delivered a strong platform for talent identification, with players from across the country competing at a high level and showcasing the depth of junior baseball in South Africa. The selected ETS squad reflects a broad national spread, with representation from Western Cape, Gauteng, Eastern Cape and Limpopo.

This group now forms the foundation of the national Under 18 programme as preparations begin for the upcoming Boys U18 African Championship, which is set to take place in West Africa, with the final host country and dates still to be confirmed.

The programme continues to build on previous international experience, with the last U18 group having travelled to Okinawa, Japan, to compete at the U18 Baseball World Cup. That exposure at global level has played an important role in shaping the current pathway and expectations within the age group.

The African Championship will provide the next key step in the development of these players, offering the opportunity to compete at continental level while working toward future international participation. The ETS programme will guide preparations through structured training, performance monitoring and final selection processes in the months ahead.

The Under 18 Boys ETS Squad includes Shakib Abrahams, Sufiyan Allie, Ethan Beaumont-Thomas, Sthembiso Chuma, Keagan Cornelson, Sean Cupido, Juvandre Daniels, Caylum De Wet, Ruben Diedericks, Lyle Farrell, Ethan Foley, Jesse Forsdicke, Teegan Fradd, Rameez Hansen, Baariq Hermans, Tshidiso Hlomuka, Jaedon Jonathan, Lethabo Kgoale, Rian Kuyk, Valentino Louw, Matsobane Maeta, Mogau Mamba, Ryan Mc Allistair, Jamie Moran, Shiloh Peterson, Liam Pieterse, Jordan Pinto, Tristan Pinto, Isaac Scheepers, Wayde Solomons, Connor Stander, Caelum Stroberg, Tokollo Tlouyamma, Aydon vd Westhuizen, Lian vd Westhuizen, Mathew Vinning, Ethan Visser, Schalk Willemse and Zac Young.