South African Baseball is happy to announce its 2026 national coaching appointments across multiple age groups and national programmes as preparations continue for major international and continental events during the year ahead.
The appointments followed a thorough national nomination process through the provincial structures, with all applicants undergoing compliance and good standing checks as part of the selection process.
The newly appointed coaching structures will oversee preparations for upcoming African Championships, World Cup events and international tours, while also playing an important role in the continued growth and development of baseball in South Africa.
“I am happy to see continuity within our national programmes while also drawing from the national footprint of our coaching structures across South Africa, with a strong focus towards international participation and competitiveness. The commission recommendations also see a more focused approach towards category-specialist coaching across the various national programmes. I want to thank the provinces for their input and all the coaches and HOD’s who have once again put up their hand to support South African Baseball,” said Marc Moreau, President of South African Baseball Union.
For the SA National Boys U12 team preparing for the African Championships, Shawn Schwartz has been appointed as Head Coach alongside assistant coaches Quinton Amos and Alroy Savides. Daryn-Ann Boniface will serve as the Head of Delegation.
The SA National Boys U15 team heading to the World Cup in Mexico will be led by Paul van der Merwe as Head Coach, assisted by Gareth Long, Tony Alexander and Thabang Letsoalo, while Deidre Marquard has been appointed as HOD.
For the SA National Boys U18 team preparing for the African Championships, Liall Mauritz has been named Head Coach together with assistant coaches Daniel Coetzer, Kyle Titus and Talent Rikhotso. Lionel Long will serve as HOD.
The SA National Men’s U23 team preparing for the World Cup in Nicaragua will be led by Clive Pretorius, with Theodore Speelman, Daniel Mokgehle, Jonathan Viljoen and Tyrone Baglione named as assistant coaches. Lindi Leigh Erasmus has been appointed as HOD.
South African Baseball is also happy to see the inclusion of former South Africa National player and now international professional player-coach Gift Ngoepe. Ngoepe brings a wealth of experience, not only within the South African domestic structures, but also from the international professional baseball environment where he has competed and trained for a number of years. He will assist the South African Baseball senior men’s team with international preparations while working closely with local counterparts.
At senior level, the SA National Men’s team coaching structure for the Africa Championship and European tour includes Gift Ngoepe as SA Baseball Coach Consultant, alongside assistant coaches Dean Mckinon, Daryn Smith, Kevin Leak and Neil Adonis. Gavin Bennett will serve as HOD.
South African Baseball also confirmed the additional ETS coaching structures across the various national programmes as part of the federation’s continued focus on player development and expanding the national coaching pipeline.
U12: Ian Smith, Shawn Garett, Brendon Jooste, Ricardo Marinus, Rey Van Der Ross and Adam Boniface.
U15: Clifford White, Clifton Barnes and Hendrik Swafo.
U18: Duwane Peters, Reece Groenewald and Lance Gordon.
U23: Mark Du Plessis, Braydon Bartle and Clint Alfino.
Senior: Tyrone Baglione.
