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Africans name youthful squad

  • Friday, August 08 2008 @ 01:27 am ACST
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International Cup 2008

The South African Lions have named their squad for the Cup, with 27 players heading to Australia. In a sign of exciting times to come, the average age is just 22 years. All four development provinces are represented, with 11 players from the original footy regions of North West and 6 from neighbouring Gauteng. There's one from Kwa-Zulu Natal but the big surprise is 9 from Western Cape, a great reward for their second placing at the South African national championships last month, and an amazing achievement given the region has really only been in full swing for 12 months.

Former high profile AFL player Jason McCartney takes the coaching role, with Mtutu Hlomela returning as captain and the oldest player at 27. There are five teenagers in the side. Three vice captains have been named in Steven Malinga, McDonald Mashigo and Benji Motuba (pictured), who was named overall best player at the nationals. The full squad is listed below, and we'll have a full preview of the Lions next week.

Tour Leader: Allison Simons
Assistant Tour Leader: Phindi Khambule
Coach: Jason McCartney
Assistant coach: Reginald Mokotedi, Siya Mamkeli, Bubele Ngangalaza
Team Manager: July Machethe
Assistant Manager: Vusi Madalane
Host Club: Melbourne High School Old Boys

Updated squad for the South Africa Lions:

#PlayerClubAgeHeight (cm)Weight (kg)
2Bubele NgangalazaKZN 25 174 75
3Simphiwe MbhaloWestern Cape 19 177 70
4Steven MatshaneNorth West 20 170 59
5Sinethemba BokiWestern Cape 17 170 72
6Mazizi SifaneloWestern Cape 20 171 65
7Odin WilliamsGauteng 26 166 58
8Thabiso PhakediNorth West 18 172 70
9Steven Malinga (v/c)North West 26 171 64
10Godfrey MolohlanyiNorth West 19 174 72
11Sandile XhasaWestern Cape 26 175 66
12Mtutuzeli Hlomela (c)Gauteng 27 167 75
13Vuyani GqibaWestern Cape 26 170 71
14Tshepiso MogapiNorth West 17 173 61
15Bayanda SobetwaWestern Cape 18 180 67
16Benjamin Motuba (v/c)Gauteng 25 168 71
17Khaya SikitiWestern Cape 23 170 69
18Samuel SethibeNorth West 22 173 72
19Neo SamboNorth West 24 179 61
20Lwazi JaweWestern Cape 20 184 82
21McDonald Mashigo (v/c)Gauteng 22 167 68
22Jayce ZidelGauteng 20 148 80
23Zukani TyaliWestern Cape 20 178 83
24Keeagile GarenamotseNorth West 23 175 66
25Julian HornNorth West 24 184 84
26Bryan MitchellGauteng 23 186 80
27Richard PrinslooNorth West 21 181 83
28Toy PrinslooNorth West 21 186 97