THE inaugural Under 19 Women’s World Cup is just around the corner, with 16 countries set to battle it out in South Africa this month for the chance to be crowned the inaugural champion.

Ahead of the tournament, we here at Rookie Me Central will be previewing all the countries competing at the tournament, looking at their squads, their fixtures and how things might go for them.

In this preview, we take a look at South Africa.

South Africa is one of those middle of the road countries at senior level, and will certainly be hoping that is not the case at Under 19 level at this World Cup.

There is also extra pressure on the South Africans because they are the host country. They are hosting the very first ever Under 19 Women’s World Cup, so the last thing they would want to do is have a poor performance at the tournament.

They should make it relatively deep in the tournament, and although the final may be pushing it a little too far, the semis are a distinct possibility. One thing for certain is that they should finish top two in their group. With two minnows in Scotland and UAE in their group, the bare minimum the South Africans should finish is second.

With the final member of their group being India it is uncertain whether South Africa could finish top or not, so it all remains to be seen.

Speaking of the Indians, the two teams played a series of five Twenty 20s recently as a lead up to the World Cup, so there is recent history between the two teams.

There is not too much publicly known about this South African team that is set to take the field at the tournament.

The side will be captained by middle order batter Oluhle Siyo, while fellow middle order batter who can bowl spin Madison Landsman will be her deputy.

South Africa Squad

Oluhle Siyo (c), Madison Landsman (vc), Jemma Botha, Jenna Evans, Ayanda Hlubi, Mona Lisa Legodi, Simone Lourens, Karabo Meso, Refilwe Moncho, Seshnie Naidu, Kayla Reyneke, Nthabiseng Nini, Miane Smit, Elandri Janse Van Rensburg, Anica Swart

South Africa Fixture

January 14 – India

January 16 – Scotland

January 18 – UAE