Jonathan Vandiar, a promising young cricketer of Indian origin, has been picked to represent South Africa in the under-19 ICC Cricket World Cup in Malaysia next month.The 18-year-old batsman from the working class suburb of Chatsworth in Durban, is among the 15-member squad announced today.The young Vandiar scored a century against India in the first of two friendly matches played in Chatsworth early this month. The junior selection chief, Shafiek Abrahams, said all the 15 players had the potential to represent South Africa in the senior team.“The squad was selected from a group of players that was part of a two-year programme. They were identified during the Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Week and the camps that were set up under our structures during the season.“And they appear to have now matured steadily and made progress in their quest to represent South Africa at the higher level.”The South African U-19 side has only once reached the final in 2002 against Australia in New Zealand and there’s ageneral belief that the South Africa team could make inroads in the tournament this year.“We feel that the boys have the energy and motivation under the guidance of Ray Jennings and his assistants to make it to the semi-finals.“It’s been a long time since we took a significant step in this tournament”, said Gerald Majola, the CEO.The tournament in Malaysia will held from February 17 to March 03.
