By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced that Western Province allrounder Juan James will captain South Africa Under-19 (SA U19) at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024.
James’ appointment comes after David Teeger was stripped of the captaincy due to fears he might be targeted by protesters during the tournament following comments he made about the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
But Jewish leaders have called the move an “outrageous act of antisemitism”.
Teeger, who is Jewish, came under criticism after being quoted last October as praising Israeli soldiers.
CSA said it was worried about protests and violence during the upcoming U19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa.
It said Teeger’s removal as captain was in the “best interests” of all parties.
“We have… been advised that [protests] are likely to focus on the position of the Under-19 captain David Teeger and that there is a risk that they could result in conflict or even violence, including between rival groups of protestors,” read a statement from CSA.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) went on to demand Teeger be reinstated as captain, or they will complain to the SA Human Rights Commission.
The hosts are set to get their campaign underway against the West Indies on 19 January at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom.
James previously captained SA U19 during the five-match 50-over series against Bangladesh in July last year, where he led the side in the third and fifth match.
SA U19 Men’s Squad: Juan James (captain, Western Province), Martin Khumalo (Easterns), Tristan Luus (Dolphins), Kwena Maphaka (Lions), Dewan Marias (Easterns), Nqobani Mokoena (Dolphins), Riley Norton (Boland), Romashan Pillay (Dolphins), Sipho Potsane (Lions), Lhuan-dre Pretorius (Titans), Richard Seletswane (Lions), Steve Stolk (Titans), David Teeger (Lions), Oliver Whitehead (Western Province) and Ntando Zuma (KwaZulu-Natal Inland).
The Under-19 World Cup in South Africa runs from 19 January to 11 February, when the final will be played at Willowmoore Park in Benoni.