TEAM SA named for Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games

The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) has  announced a team of 49 athletes to represent Team South Africa at the 2023  Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago, from 4-11 August. 

The seventh edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games is expected to host over  1,000 athletes and para-athletes between the ages of 14-18, participating in seven  sports. 

Team South Africa will be represented in seven sporting codes, namely Athletics  (including para-athletics), Cycling, Netball, Rugby sevens, Swimming, Triathlon, and  Volleyball. The largest contingent will be in Rugby sevens, with a squad of 13 players. 

SASCOC President, Mr. Barry Hendricks, extended his congratulations to the selected  team, stating, “Congratulations to Team South Africa on your selection to represent  the nation at the seventh edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games. Like the AUSC  Region 5 Games and Youth Olympics, Commonwealth Youth Games serve as  invaluable testing grounds where we are able to gauge talent and map ways to nurture  that talent going forward.” 

Mr. Hendricks also expressed his gratitude to the sponsors and funders – the  Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), National Lotteries Commission (NLC),  Bidvest Group, Mr Price Sport, Planet Fitness, Toyota International and Citibank who  enable SASCOC to send Team South Africa to multi-coded sporting events. “Thank you  to all our sponsors and partners for your unwavering support and for walking with us  on this sporting journey,” he added.

“We wish our future champions the very best in their endeavours, and we will proudly  support them as our sport ambassadors with our heads held high. We look forward to  them meeting other aspiring champions and forging lifelong international  friendships,” concluded Mr. Hendricks. 

SASCOC CEO, Ms. Nozipho Jafta, commented, “We are proud to send a team of 49  athletes to Trinidad and Tobago to represent South Africa at the Commonwealth  Youth Games. Being selected to be part of Team South Africa is an honorable  achievement. 

“The 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games are significant to us as we embark on the  road to LA 2028. Some of the athletes announced today will be developed to qualify  for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Australia and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic  Games in LA. Some of our esteemed sporting names have passed through the  Commonwealth Youth Games. Therefore, we urge the athletes to perform at their  best and make the country proud. 

“Above all, enjoy the Games and foster friendships with other Commonwealth  countries,” concluded Ms. Jafta.  

The full team is as follows:  

SWIMMING

ATHLETICS  

PARA ATHLETICS 

BEACH VOLLEYBALL 

CYCLING 

NETBALL

RUGBY SEVENS

TRIATHLON 

ISSUED BY SASCOC