South Africa have named a relatively inexperienced squad for their upcoming white-ball tour of Namibia, with left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin appointed as captain.
The tour will begin a busy period for South African cricket and will feature a T20I tri-series involving Namibia and Zimbabwe, followed by a three-match ODI series against Namibia.
Regular white-ball captains Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma have been rested from the tour as South Africa look to manage player workloads ahead of a packed home season.
Markram, Bavuma and Key Players Rested
Markram, who leads South Africa in T20Is, and ODI captain Bavuma will not be part of the Namibia tour. Several senior members of the squad have also been left out.
South Africa’s frontline bowling group, including Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch and Keshav Maharaj, has been rested.
Among the players who could feature in a full-strength South African team, Dewald Brevis, Lhuan-dré Pretorius and Kwena Maphaka are the only ones included in the touring squad.
The decision comes with South Africa preparing for an extensive home schedule that includes eight Tests, as well as upcoming series against Australia, Bangladesh and England.
Bjorn Fortuin Gets Another Chance
Fortuin will take charge of the squad despite not having played international cricket since November 2025.
The left-arm spinner has represented South Africa in 16 ODIs and 27 T20Is. He is also just one appearance short of completing 300 domestic white-ball matches.
South Africa’s all-format coach Shukri Conrad backed Fortuin to handle the leadership responsibility, highlighting his experience and previous captaincy with the Lions.
Conrad said Fortuin is an experienced player and proven leader, and the team has full confidence in his ability to guide the young squad.
Duan Jansen Receives Maiden Call-Up
One of the biggest talking points from the squad announcement is the maiden international call-up for Duan Jansen, the twin brother of South Africa all-rounder Marco Jansen.
Duan was named the One-Day Cup Player of the Year at the latest Cricket South Africa awards. He has earned recognition for his domestic performances and will now get an opportunity to make an impression at the international level.
Conrad described Duan as a quality all-rounder and praised his performances for the Titans.
Eathan Bosch Gets First T20I Call-Up
Another family connection in the squad is Eathan Bosch, brother of South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch.
Eathan has already played one ODI for South Africa and has now received his maiden T20I call-up.
The squad also includes brothers Jordan Hermann and Rubin Hermann. Jordan plays for Sunrisers Eastern Cape, while Rubin represents Paarl Royals in the SA20.
Two Players Receive First ODI Call-Up
Wicketkeeper-batter Connor Esterhuizen and young fast bowler Nqobani Mokoena have been included in the ODI squad for the first time.
Both players had earlier given glimpses of their ability during South Africa’s T20I series against New Zealand.
Conrad said the team was impressed by what Esterhuizen and Mokoena showed during that series. He also mentioned Jordan Hermann, who missed part of the campaign because of an injury.
The Namibia tour will give the youngsters another opportunity to prove themselves at international level.
Gerald Coetzee and Senuran Muthusamy Picked for South Africa A
Gerald Coetzee and Senuran Muthusamy have not been selected for the Namibia tour. Instead, both players have been included in the South Africa A squads for their matches against Bangladesh A.
The South Africa A team will play four-day and one-day matches at the same time as the Namibia tour.
Their selection could indicate that the two players are being prepared for Test cricket later in the season.
South Africa Preparing for a Busy Eight Months
The Namibia series comes as South Africa attempt to manage player workloads ahead of a demanding eight-month schedule.
After the home season, South Africa will also have the SA20 before travelling to Sri Lanka. The home calendar includes series against Australia, Bangladesh and England.
The Namibia fixtures were added to the schedule recently as southern African teams look to strengthen their regional cricket ties ahead of next year’s Men’s ODI World Cup.
Conrad said playing against neighbouring countries is always exciting and added that the first-ever ODI series between South Africa and Namibia makes the tour particularly significant.
South Africa Squad for Namibia Tour
Bjorn Fortuin (captain), Eathan Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Connor Esterhuizen, Jordan Hermann, Rubin Hermann, Duan Jansen, Kwena Maphaka, Nqobani Mokoena, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Lutho Sipamla, Jason Smith, Prenelan Subrayen.
South Africa A Four-Day Squad vs Bangladesh A
Marques Ackerman (captain), Matthew Boast, Okuhle Cele, Gerald Coetzee, Tshepang Dithole, Zubayr Hamza, Gavin Kaplan, Tshepo Moreki, Senuran Muthusamy, Tshepo Ntuli, Meeka-eel Prince, Delano Potgieter, Sinethemba Qeshile, Lesego Senokwane, Codi Yusuf.
South Africa A One-Day Squad vs Bangladesh A
Marques Ackerman (captain), Matthew Boast, Okuhle Cele, Matthew de Villiers, Zubayr Hamza, Dian Forrester, Delano Potgieter, Imraan Manack, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Mihlali Mpongwana, Sinethemba Qeshile, Andile Simelane, Kyle Simmonds, Codi Yusuf.