World No. 12 South Africa will represent the African Continent in the first-ever WBSC U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup, to be staged in Palmerston North, New Zealand, from 22 February to 1 March. South Africa defeated Nigeria in a three-game series and became the 12th National Team qualified for the global competition in New Zealand.

The WBSC U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup will feature the top 12 nations in the world, and will be held in the new upgraded Colquhoun Park.

South Africa swept Nigeria in the three-game series played at MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, Nigeria, to clinch their qualification to the World Cup. South Africa defeated the host team by scores of 16-0, 22-1, and 16-1.

The WBSC U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup will be South Africa’s third consecutive participation in a youth softball global event, after being present in Midland 2016 and Prince Albert 2018. South Africa played the old Junior Men’s Softball World Championship four times, including three of the last four editions.

In Prince Albert, South Africa ended in 10th position, with a 4-7 overall record, after finishing the opening round with 1 win and 5 losses. However, their best performance in the men’s softball youth global event was in 1997 in St. Johns, Canada, where they ended with a 4-6 record to finish sixth place.