South Africa’s national baseball team is set to take on some of the world’s best in the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC) Qualifier, scheduled to take place from February 21-25, 2025, at the Taipei Dome in Taipei, Taiwan. This highly anticipated event will see South Africa battling against Chinese Taipei, Nicaragua, and Spain for one of two coveted spots in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
A Determined South African Squad
Months of rigorous training and preparation have led to the announcement of the official South African roster. The squad comprises a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talent, all eager to showcase their skills on the global stage. The team’s coaching staff, led by manager Neil Adonis, has been instrumental in refining strategies and building a cohesive unit capable of taking on the world’s best.
“We are extremely proud of this squad,” said South African Baseball President Dr. Marc Moreau. “The dedication and commitment these players have shown over the past few months have been extraordinary. They have trained tirelessly, both locally and internationally, to prepare for this moment. We are confident in their abilities and believe they have what it takes to qualify for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.”
The team boasts a strong pitching lineup led by seasoned right-hander Dylan Unsworth, who has made waves in international baseball, and Justin Erasmus, who impressed in the previous qualifier. The infield features the Phillips brothers—Anthony and Jonathan—who bring invaluable experience, while young infielder Josh November, at just 19 years old, will be one to watch.
Challenging Opponents Await
South Africa’s path to qualification is fraught with challenges, with each of their competitors bringing formidable squads to the tournament.
- Chinese Taipei enters as the tournament favourite, boasting a world ranking of No. 2 and coming off an impressive gold-medal performance at the 2023 Premier12. They will have the advantage of playing on home soil at the newly constructed Taipei Dome.
- Nicaragua, ranked 16th in the world, is looking to improve upon its 2023 WBC performance, where they struggled to generate offense. Their pitching staff, however, remains one of the strongest in the tournament.
- Spain, ranked 24th, narrowly missed out on qualification in 2022 but rebounded to win the European Championship in 2023. The addition of former Mets infielder Luis Guillorme strengthens their lineup, making them a strong contender.
Tournament Format and Key Matchups
The four teams will compete in a round-robin format, with the top team earning an automatic berth in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The second- and third-place teams will face off on February 25 to determine the second qualifier.
South Africa’s Schedule:
- Friday, February 21 – South Africa vs. Nicaragua (12:00 PM Local Time)
- Saturday, February 22 – South Africa vs. Chinese Taipei (7:00 PM Local Time)
- Sunday, February 23 – South Africa vs. Spain (12:00 PM Local Time)
- Tuesday, February 25 – Potential Playoff (2nd vs. 3rd Place) (7:00 PM Local Time)
Each game will be broadcast worldwide on WorldBaseballClassic.com, MLB.TV, YouTube, and Facebook, ensuring fans across the globe can follow the action.
Support and Anticipation for the Team
As South Africa prepares to step onto the field, there is growing anticipation and support from the country’s baseball community. While baseball remains a developing sport in South Africa, the team’s participation in the World Baseball Classic presents an opportunity to showcase the nation’s talent on an international stage.
The journey to qualification is a testament to years of effort and commitment from players, coaches, and supporters who have dedicated themselves to growing the sport. The team has trained diligently, gained valuable international experience, and now has the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
With a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent, South Africa aims to put in a strong performance at the qualifiers. The local baseball fraternity will be watching closely, hopeful for a campaign that could see them secure a place in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Team South Africa Roster
Pitchers (14)
- Vince Michael Deyzel – RHP | Durban, South Africa | Cardinals
- Rowan Ebersohn – LHP | Johannesburg, South Africa | Benoni Indians
- Jared Elario – RHP | Cape Town, South Africa | Bothasig Knights
- Justin Erasmus – RHP | Redlands Rays Baseball Club, Queensland Australia
- Dean Jacobs – RHP | Cape Town, South Africa | Bothasig Knights
- Damon King – RHP | Johannesburg, South Africa | Benoni Indians
- Daniel Mendelsohn – RHP | Pietermaritzburg, South Africa | VOB Macaws
- Damian Perkins – LHP | Durban, South Africa | VOB Macaws
- Anthony Sayers – RHP | South Africa
- Brandon Smith – RHP | Durban, South Africa | Bothasig Knights
- Lloyd Stevens – RHP | Cape Town, South Africa | Bellville Tygers
- Josh Tribe – RHP | Durban, South Africa | Crowder College
- Dylan Unsworth – RHP | Durban, South Africa | Dubai / Monarchs Karachi
- Jaryd White – RHP | Johannesburg, South Africa | Edenvale Giants
Catchers (3)
- Dayle Feldtman – C | Cape Town, South Africa | Bothasig
- Tyrone Milne – C | Cape Town, South Africa | Bellville Tygers
- Luke November – C | Cape Town, South Africa | VOB
Infielders (6)
- Mathew Diedericks – INF | Cape Town, South Africa | Bothasig Knights
- Victor Ngoepe – INF | Johannesburg, South Africa | Randburg Mets
- Josh November – INF | Cape Town, South Africa | VOB Macaws
- Anthony Phillips – INF | Cape Town, South Africa | Bellville Tygers
- Jonathan Phillips – INF | Cape Town, South Africa | Bellville Tygers
- Tyler Smith – INF | Durban, South Africa | Bothasig Knights
Outfielders (5)
- Chris Beyers – OF | Secunda, South Africa | Bellville Tygers
- Brandon Bouillon – OF | Cape Town, South Africa | Benoni Indians
- Jason Carelse – OF | Cape Town, South Africa | Bothasig Knights
- Brandon Edmunds – OF | Gauteng, South Africa | Boksburg Cardinals
- Joshua Wentzel – OF | Cape Town, South Africa | Durbanville
Coaching & Management Staff
- Neil Adonis – Manager / 3B Coach
- Dean Mckinon – Bench Coach
- Gavin Bennet – Pitching Coach
- Paul van der Merwe – Bullpen Coach
- Darryn Smith – Assistant Coach / 1B Coach
- Jody Burch – Assistant Coach
Stay connected with #SouthAfricanBaseball and #WBC2025 for live updates, player highlights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content as Team South Africa embarks on its quest for 2026 World Baseball Classic Qualification in Taiwan.
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