South Africa announce roster for World Baseball Classic Qualifier
Manager Neil Adonis announced the South Africa roster for the World Baseball Classic Qualifier, due to take place from February 21 to 25 in Taipei City (TPE).
International baseball veteran Dylan Unsworth will lead the pitching staff. Right-hander Justin Erasmus played in the Boston Red Sox organization, the Australian Baseball League and the German Bundesliga. Right-hander Vince Deyzel played in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.
Middle infielder Victor Ngoepe, 26, played 186 Minor League Baseball (MiLB) games for the Pittsburgh Pirates between 2016 and 2019. His older brother, Gift Ngoepe, became the first African-born player to play at the Major League Baseball (MLB) level. He will manage the Arizona Diamondbacks Single-A team in 2025.
Right-hander Josh Tribe, catcher Luke November, and infielder Josh November played for Adonis at the WBSC U-23 Baseball World Cup 2024
"This squad is the result of months of dedication, hard work, and preparation," South Africa Baseball President Marc Moreau stated. "The players have put in the hours, training with top coaches and proving their commitment to South African baseball. We are excited to see them compete on the world stage yet again. Their journey has been one of sacrifice and determination, and now they have the opportunity to showcase their talent on the global stage. The nation is behind them as they strive to qualify for the 2026 World Baseball Classic."
Adonis' staff will include bench coach Dean Mckinon, pitching coach Erik Threets, bullpen coach Paul van der Merwe and assistant coaches Darryn Smith and Jody Burch.
World No. 31 South Africa will face No. 16 Nicaragua, No. 24 Spain and No. 2 Chinese Taipei in the Taipei City qualifier.
No. 23 Brazil, No. 20 China, No. 13 Colombia and No. 17 Germany will compete in the Tucson, Arizona, USA, Qualifier from March 2 to 6.
The first-place finishers and the winners of an elimination game between the second and third-place finishers of each group will advance to the World Baseball Classic 2026.