A 24-player squad is heading to the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup with international experience already under its belt.
South Africa (29 October 2026) – South Africa’s next generation of baseball talent is getting ready for one of the biggest tournaments in the sport.
A 24-player squad has been named for the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup, where they’ll take on some of the world’s strongest baseball nations.
The squad features a blend of familiar faces returning from previous World Cups and exciting young players eager to make their mark on the international stage.
Several players already have impressive overseas experience. Pitcher Josh Tribe recently completed his junior year at the University of Arkansas-Monticello and also represented South Africa at the World Baseball Classic Qualifier.
Tyron Brickhill played college baseball at Philander Smith College in Arkansas, while Darian Pretorius continued his development at Minnesota North College. Robert White spent another season at Central Christian College in Kansas, and Stiaan Henning completed his senior year of high school in Canada.
That growing international exposure gives the squad valuable experience heading into one of baseball’s toughest competitions.
Manager Clive Pretorius also brings plenty of international coaching experience, having previously led South Africa’s U-15 World Cup campaigns before stepping up to guide the U-23 side.
South Africa has been drawn into a challenging Group B alongside world No. 1 Japan, Korea, Venezuela, Cuba and Great Britain.
While the opposition includes some of baseball’s traditional powerhouses, the squad has already shown it can compete on the international stage.
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From Gqeberha to Germany: Sachin Padayachee Makes His Mark on the Hockey WorldAnd with returning World Cup players, rising stars and growing international experience throughout the squad, South Africa’s young baseball players will be hoping to showcase just how far the sport has come back home and inspire the next generation to pick up a glove.
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