Bjorn Fortuin to Lead South Africa in Namibia T20I Tri-Series
Left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin will captain South Africa’s squad for an upcoming T20 International tri-series in Namibia, which also involves Zimbabwe. This series marks the launch of a busy summer season that includes three ODIs. Regular captains Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma will sit out to rest before the home season, which consists of eight Tests, while key bowlers Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, and Keshav Maharaj are absent from the touring group.
Among the players selected for the series are Dewald Brevis, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and Kwena Maphaka, who are deemed part of a near full-strength squad. Notably, there is a maiden call-up for Duan Jansen, the twin of Marco Jansen and the One-Day Cup Player of the Year at the recent CSA awards. Eathan Bosch, who has played one ODI for South Africa, has received his first T20I call-up.
In a family dimension, both Jordan Hermann and Rubin Hermann, whose father is known for wearing a shirt split between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Paarl Royals colors, have also been included. Additionally, wicketkeeper batter Connor Esterhuizen and pacer Nqobani Mokoena are set to make their ODI debuts.
Shukri Conrad, South Africa’s all-format coach, commented on the new talents: “We saw glimpses of what Connor and Nqobani can offer during the T20I series against New Zealand earlier this year. It was unfortunate that Jordan picked up an injury in the opening match of that series, so we’re looking forward to seeing him get another opportunity at this level.” He emphasized that this tour allows for the inclusion of players who have excelled in domestic cricket, pointing to Duan Jansen’s strong character and performance.
Fortuin, on the verge of 300 domestic white-ball caps, has not played international cricket since November 2025 and may view this series as a chance to reestablish himself in the national team. He has previously acquired 16 ODI and 27 T20I caps. “Bjorn is an experienced player and proven leader who has successfully captained the Lions, and we have every confidence in his ability to lead this group,” Conrad added.
As South Africa prepares for the series, managing player workload will be crucial over the next eight months with an extensive schedule that includes tours from Australia, Bangladesh, and England, followed by the SA20 and an away series in Sri Lanka. The matches in Namibia were announced last week as part of southern Africa’s commitment to enhancing regional engagement ahead of next year’s men’s ODI World Cup. “It is always exciting to play against our neighbouring countries, and the first-ever ODI series between South Africa and Namibia adds further significance, especially as we build towards next year’s World Cup,” said Conrad.
South Africa Men’s Squad for Namibia Tour
- Bjorn Fortuin (c)
- 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’s Squad for Bangladesh Series
Four-Day Squad
- Marques Ackerman (c)
- 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
One-Day Squad
- Marques Ackerman (c)
- Matthew Boast
- Okuhle Cele
- Gerald Coetzee
- Matthew de Villiers
- Zubayr Hamza
- Dian Forrester
- Delano Potgieter
- Imraan Manack
- Rivaldo Moonsamy
- Mihlali Mpongwana
- Sinethemba Qeshile
- Andile Simelane
- Kyle Simmonds
- Codi Yusuf
Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn
