Squads for South Africa Tour of Namibia 2026: Full ODI Squad Lists
Published on September 10, 2026
Summary Overview: Full squads for the South Africa tour of Namibia 2026. Bjorn Fortuin leads an experimental Proteas side against Gerhard Erasmus's Namibia in a historic ODI series.
A Historic First: The Squads for South Africa's Landmark ODI Tour of Namibia
Who is captaining the two sides?
Left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin leads South Africa, while all-rounder Gerhard Erasmus captains Namibia.
Why is this series a big deal?
It is the first ever ODI series between the two teams, and both nations, along with Zimbabwe, will co-host the 2027 ODI World Cup. It is a landmark moment for Namibian cricket.
What kind of South Africa side is this?
An experimental, largely fresh squad. South Africa are using this tour to look at fringe and emerging players, with a stronger group saved for the Australia ODIs that follow.
The Story: A Landmark Series for African Cricket
Some series are about silverware. This one is about history. The South Africa tour of Namibia 2026 brings three ODIs (a one-day international is the 50-overs-per-side format) to the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek, and it marks the very first time these two neighbours have met in this format.
The backdrop makes it special. Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe will jointly host the 2027 ODI World Cup, so these fixtures are part of the build-up to a home tournament for all three. For a rising cricket nation like Namibia, sharing a field with a Full Member side (one of the sport's established top-tier teams) is a rare and valuable experience.
South Africa's Experimental Look
The most striking thing about South Africa's squad is who is not in it. Rather than send a first-choice team, the Proteas have picked an experimental group and handed the captaincy to spinner Bjorn Fortuin, a clear sign that this is a chance to look at players on the fringe.
The tour is essentially a testing ground. South Africa have kept a much stronger squad back for their ODIs against Australia later in the month, so the men in Namibia know this is their shot to stake a claim. The race for middle-order spots in the ODI setup is heating up, which makes it a big series for young star Dewald Brevis in particular.
That opportunity has already produced fireworks. In the opening ODI, Jordan Hermann announced himself with a stunning 150 on debut, the centrepiece of a huge total of 348 for 6 as South Africa won a rain-affected game by 99 runs on the DLS method (a mathematical system used to reset targets when weather shortens a match).
Namibia's Landmark Opportunity
For the hosts, this is a golden chance. Captained by the vastly experienced Gerhard Erasmus, Namibia field a settled core built around familiar names like Jan Frylinck, Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz and JJ Smit.
The significance runs deep. For most of this Namibia group, this is their first taste of ODI cricket against a Full Member nation. That experience is priceless as they chase qualification for the World Cup they will co-host, a quest that will demand a big effort from their current position in the qualifying pathway.
Players to Watch
Dewald Brevis (South Africa): The exciting young batter has a real chance to press his case for a permanent ODI role with runs in this series.
Jordan Hermann (South Africa): After a debut 150, all eyes will be on whether the newcomer can back it up and force his way into the selectors' long-term plans.
Kwena Maphaka (South Africa): A highly rated young quick who offers genuine pace at the top of the innings.
Gerhard Erasmus (Namibia): The captain and heartbeat of the side, a reliable run-scorer who will need to lead from the front.
Ruben Trumpelmann (Namibia): Namibia's spearhead with the new ball, capable of striking early against a top side.
The Full Squads
South Africa Squad
| Category | Players |
| Batters | Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Jordan Hermann, Jason Smith |
| All-rounders | Corbin Bosch, Prenelan Subrayen |
| Wicketkeepers | Connor Esterhuizen, Rubin Hermann, Matthew Breetzke |
| Bowlers | Bjorn Fortuin (c), Eathan Bosch, Duan Jansen, Kwena Maphaka, Nqobani Mokoena, Lutho Sipamla, Nqabayomzi Peter |
Namibia Squad
| Category | Players |
| Captain | Gerhard Erasmus |
| Wicketkeeper | Zane Green |
| Squad | Louren Steenkamp, Jan Frylinck, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Alexander Volschenk, JJ Smit, Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz, Jack Brassell, Max Heingo, Malan Kruger, Michael van Lingen, Jan Balt, Waldo Smith, Junior Taanyanda |
Frequently Asked Questions
Have South Africa and Namibia played an ODI series before?
No. This is the first ever ODI series between the two teams, making it a historic occasion.
Why are South Africa fielding a weaker squad?
The Proteas are using the tour to test fringe and emerging players, keeping a stronger group for their upcoming ODIs against Australia.
Who captains Namibia?
Gerhard Erasmus, one of the most experienced players in Associate cricket, leads the hosts.
Where are the matches being played?
All three ODIs are at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek.
What happened in the first ODI?
South Africa won by 99 runs on the DLS method, with Jordan Hermann scoring 150 on debut in a total of 348 for 6.
Related Guides and Series Coverage
📋 South Africa Tour of Namibia 2026 Complete Guide