South African Baseball is proud to announce the official national team roster for the MLB World Baseball Classic Qualifier, taking place from 21-25 February 2025 at the Taipei Dome in Taipei, Taiwan. The team will compete against Chinese Taipei, Nicaragua, and Spain in a battle for one of two available spots in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
This announcement follows months of intense preparation, where players were put through rigorous training sessions, including an All-Stars Camp, squad training, and provincial sessions. Behind the scenes, the squad has been working closely with coaches in various provinces and internationally, refining their skills and building team chemistry while awaiting the highly anticipated MLB roster release.
TEAM SOUTH AFRICA ROSTER
Pitchers (14)
- Vince Michael Deyzel – RHP | Durban, South Africa | Cardinals
- Rowan Ebersohn – LHP | Johannesburg, South Africa | Benoni Indians
- Jared Elario – RHP | Cape Town, South Africa | Bothasig Knights
- Justin Erasmus – RHP | Redlands Rays Baseball Club, Queensland Australia
- Dean Jacobs – RHP | Cape Town, South Africa | Bothasig Knights
- Damon King – RHP | Johannesburg, South Africa | Benoni Indians
- Daniel Mendelsohn – RHP | Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | VOB Macaws
- Damian Perkins – LHP | Durban, South Africa | VOB Macaws
- Anthony Sayers – RHP | South Africa
- Brandon Smith – RHP | Durban, South Africa | Bothasig Knights
- Lloyd Stevens – RHP | Cape Town, South Africa | Bellville Tygers
- Josh Tribe – RHP | Durban, South Africa | Crowder College
- Dylan Unsworth – RHP | Durban, South Africa | Dubai / Monarchs Karachi
- Jaryd White – RHP | Johannesburg, South Africa | Edenvale Giants
Catchers (3)
- Dayle Feldtman – C | Cape Town, South Africa | Bothasig
- Tyrone Milne – C | Cape Town, South Africa | Bellville Tygers
- Luke November – C | Cape Town, South Africa | VOB
Infielders (6)
- Mathew Diedericks – INF | Cape Town, South Africa | Bothasig Knights
- Victor Ngoepe – INF | Johannesburg, South Africa | Randburg Mets
- Josh November – INF | Cape Town, South Africa | VOB Macaws
- Anthony Phillips – INF | Cape Town, South Africa | Bellville Tygers
- Jonathan Phillips – INF | Cape Town, South Africa | Bellville Tygers
- Tyler Smith – INF | Durban, South Africa | Bothasig Knights
Outfielders (5)
- Chris Beyers – OF | Secunda, South Africa | Bellville Tygers
- Brandon Bouillon – OF | Cape Town, South Africa | Benoni Indians
- Jason Carelse – OF | Cape Town, South Africa | Bothasig Knights
- Nicholas Eagles – OF | Cape Town, South Africa | Bothasig Knights
- Joshua Wentzel – OF | Cape Town, South Africa | Durbanville
Coaching & Management Staff
- Neil Adonis – Manager / 3B Coach
- Dean Mckinon – Bench Coach
- Erick Threets – Pitching Coach
- Paul van der Merwe – Bullpen Coach
- Darryn Smith – Assistant Coach / 1B Coach
- Jody Burch – Assistant Coach
Tournament Schedule for South Africa
- Friday, 21 February – Nicaragua vs South Africa – 12:00 PM (Local Time)
- Saturday, 22 February – South Africa vs Chinese Taipei – 7:00 PM
- Sunday, 23 February – Spain vs South Africa – 12:00 PM
- Tuesday, 25 February – Potential Playoff (2nd vs 3rd Place) – 7:00 PM
Official Statement from SA Baseball President Dr. Marc Moreau
“This squad is the result of months of dedication, hard work, and preparation. The players have put in the hours, training with top coaches and proving their commitment to South African baseball. We are excited to see them compete on the world stage yet again. Their journey has been one of sacrifice and determination, and now they have the opportunity to showcase their talent on the global stage. The entire nation is behind them as they strive to qualify for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.”
Support Team South Africa!
Stay connected with #SouthAfricanBaseball and #WBC2025 for updates, player highlights, and behind-the-scenes action as Team South Africa embarks on their quest for World Baseball Classic qualification!
