CSA names Men's and Women's Emerging Academy squads for 2026

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has named the CSA Men’s and Women’s Emerging Academy intake for 2026.

The intake features a mix of SA Under-19 graduates, in-form provincial players and emerging talent.

Among those selected for the Men’s Academy are Hollywoodbets Dolphins seamer Nqobani Mokoena, who recently made his T20 International debut against New Zealand, along with fellow Proteas-capped spinner Nqaba Peter (DP World Lions) and all-rounder Andile Simelane (Dolphins).

The recently capped Proteas Women all-rounders Miané Smit (Fidelity Titans) and Leah Jones (World Sports Betting Western Province), as well as leg-spinner Seshnie Naidu (Dolphins) headline the Women’s Academy selection.

Malibongwe Maketa will once again oversee the Men’s Academy, supported by High Performance leads Paul Adams (bowling) and Imraan Khan (batting). Members of the Proteas Men’s coaching staff will also lend their expertise throughout this year’s programme at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria.

Former Proteas Women’s batting coach Baakier Abrahams will take interim charge of this year’s women’s group, allowing Academy head coach Dinesha Devnarain to focus on preparation for the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2027 taking place in January next year.

The Academy continues to play a key role in accelerating the growth of high-potential players, bridging the gap between provincial cricket and the demands of the international game. It has also laid the foundation for a number of current Proteas, including Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton, Nonkululeko Mlaba and Kayla Reyneke, to name a few.

Head of High Performance Grant van Velden said: “We’ve selected an exciting group of young players, and I am looking forward to seeing them come in and hit the ground running when the group assembles next month.

“The Academy will focus on preparing players for upcoming SA Emerging and South Africa A tours, and will also challenge them both physically and mentally, pushing them out of their comfort zones so they can grow on and off the field.

“The aim is for each player to leave the Academy not only as a better cricketer, but as a more complete professional athlete.”

CSA Men’s Emerging Academy 2026

Esosa Aihevba (DP World Lions), Matthew Boast (Dafabet Warriors), Josh Breed (WSB Western Province), Muhammad Bulbulia (Tuskers), Raeeq Daniels (WSB Western Province), Schalk Engelbrecht (Momentum Multiply Titans), Keegan Lion-Catchet (Momentum Multiply Titans), Modiri Litheko (Dafabet Warriors), Tristan Luus (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Bayanda Majola (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Muhammad Manack (Dafabet Warriors), Nqobani Mokoena (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Nqaba Peter (DP World Lions), Gomolemo Phiri (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Siya Plaatjie (DP World Lions), Richard Seletswane (DP World Lions), Andile Simelane (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), George van Heerden (Garden Route Badgers) and Ntando Zuma (Moothee Ram Tuskers).

CSA Women’s Emerging Academy 2026

Jemma Botha (WSB Western Province), Fay Cowling (DP World Lions), Jenna Evans (DP World Lions), Jae-Leigh Filander (WSB Western Province), Leah Jones (WSB Western Province), Yasmeen Khan (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Simone Lourens (Fidelity Titans), Mpumelelo Mashiloane (Eastern Storm), Relebohile Mkhize (DP World Lions), Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Nthabiseng Nini (North West Dragons), Luyanda Nzuza (Fidelity Titans), Diara Ramlakan (DP World Lions), Oluhle Siyo (WSB Western Province), Miané Smit (Fidelity Titans) and Caitlin Wyngaard (WSB Western Province).

Meanwhile, Cricket South Africa (CSA) is pleased to announce the renewal of its partnership with Ola South Africa as the Official Ice Cream Supplier for a further three years.

The announcement follows a thrilling five-match T20I home series between the Proteas Women and India Women, which saw more than 20 000 fans in Durban, Johannesburg and Benoni witness the hosts secure a 4-1 series victory.

Fans were treated to record-breaking performances on the field, while a vibrant vibe off it was brought to life by a family-friendly environment featuring music, live comedy and engaging activations for adults and the young.

Ola’s presence at the stadiums throughout the series added to the festive atmosphere, with fans enjoying a range of matchday favourites including Magnum, Cornetto, Paddle Pop and Twister, amplifying the shared moments that make watching a game of cricket at a stadium memorable.

The renewed partnership comes at an exciting time for Proteas fans with a bumper 2026/27 summer cricket season looming. Highlights for the Proteas Women include a One-Day International (ODI) and Test inbound tour against India later this year, alongside a historic first-ever visit by Australia for a full tour featuring ODI, T20I and Test cricket.

The Proteas Men will host Australia, Bangladesh and England for what promises to be a treat of international cricket.

CSA Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki, welcomed the continued partnership, commenting: “We are happy to extend our relationship with Ola South Africa, a brand that is strategically aligned with our ongoing efforts to improve the matchday fan experience. The beauty of cricket extends beyond the field; it creates lasting memories for individuals, families, friends and communities.

“Having a partner like Ola allows us to bring an added layer of enjoyment to our match days. Partnerships such as these play a vital role in making cricket more enjoyable as we continue to grow the game, attract new audiences, and make it more accessible and inclusive.”