Cricket South Africa announces intake for 2024 CSA Emerging Academy

Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Tuesday, April 23, announced the roster for the 2024 CSA Emerging Academy. The Academy, which is formally known as the National Academy, aims to fast-track the progression of players from age-group and senior provincial cricket levels towards the national stage through advanced coaching and rigorous high-performance training.

The Academy will be operating from the CSA Centre of Excellence in Pretoria. Both the men's and women's squads comprise individuals who have showcased their skills for South Africa at the U19 level. Under the coaching of SA U19 and Men’s Emerging Academy coach Malibongwe Maketahe, the men's team will take part in a programme from May to July. Meanwhile, under the guidance of Dinesha Devnarain, coach for SA U19 and Women's Emerging Academy, the women's program will take place from June to July.

According to Grant van Helden, the head of high performance at CSA, the reimagining of the National Academy signifies a crucial juncture, aligning with the evolving landscape of international cricket and CSA's 2027 vision. He also reiterated that the establishment of the 2024 CSA Emerging Academy reaffirms the board's dedication to narrowing the gap between domestic and international cricket.

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“In line with the dynamic shifts in international cricket and our bold 2027 vision, the reimagining of our National Academy marks a pivotal moment. The emergence of the 2024 CSA Emerging Academy underscores our commitment to bridging the gap between domestic and international cricket. By honing in on personalised technical and tactical growth over an intensive period, we’re fast-tracking the development of a select group of players, and this forward-looking approach not only speaks to the immediate needs of our Proteas teams but also lays the groundwork for sustained excellence," said Helden.

CSA Emerging Academy (Men) – Jade de Klerk (Border), Dian Forrester (Free State), Valentine Kitime (Western Province), Duan Jansen (North West), Tristan Luus (Dolphins), Dewan Marais (Easterns), Litheko Modiri (Titans), Mihlali Mpongwana (Western Province), Nipho Mpungose (Free State), Nqaba Peter (Lions), Caleb Seleka (North West), Andile Simelane (Dolphins), Ntando Zuma (KZN Inland).

CSA Emerging Academy (Women) – Anneke Bosch (Titans), Annere Dercksen (Garden Route Badgers), Lara Goodall (Western Province), Gandhi Jafta (Titans), Leah Jones (Western Province), Tebogo Macheke (Titans), Oluhle Siyo (Boland), Asakhe Nyovane (Garden Route Badgers), Nondumiso Shangase (Dolphins), Kayla Reynecke (Western Province), Miane Smit (Free State), Saarah Smith (Western Province), Nkululeko Thabathe (Lions), Delmi Tucker (Western Province), Faye Tunnicliffe (Western Province).