South Africa’s cricket team is touring Namibia for a three-match ODI series, using the matches as preparation before a demanding home schedule, according to Proteas coach Conrad.
Namibia recently competed in a T20I tri-series but failed to advance to the final after losing their remaining matches. South Africa won the tri-series final against Zimbabwe. According to Conrad, Namibia has not yet qualified for the 2027 World Cup, which the country will co-host alongside South Africa and Zimbabwe.
The Proteas have selected a largely second-string squad for the Namibia tour, though they are still expected to dominate. The squad selection reflects the team’s focus on developing depth ahead of the Australian series later in September.
Conrad emphasized that despite Namibia’s status as co-hosts for the 2027 World Cup, their failure to advance in the tri-series will motivate them. “I’m expecting them to come back hard. The fact that they didn’t make the tri-series final would obviously have hurt them,” Conrad said. “So I’m expecting them to come back strong and put their best foot forward.”
For the Proteas players, the Namibia tour serves multiple purposes. Beyond competition, it provides an opportunity for squad members to stake claims for future selection. Conrad noted that the team has been off for several months and the Namibia series helps them “get used to how things work again” before facing Australia.
After Namibia, South Africa’s schedule intensifies significantly. The Proteas will host Australia for three ODI matches and three Test matches later in September. These matches will be followed by incoming tours of Bangladesh and England, creating what Conrad described as “an exciting few months” on home soil.
Conrad expressed optimism about the tour cycle. “I think it was great coming out here to Namibia just to get used to how things work again,” he said, adding that the team expects to “hit the ground running” when facing Australia.
Key facts
- Namibia has not yet qualified for the 2027 World Cup, which it will co-host with South Africa and Zimbabwe
- South Africa selected a largely second-string squad for the Namibia tour
- Namibia lost their remaining T20I tri-series matches after an opening win, failing to reach the final
- South Africa faces Australia in three ODIs and three Tests in September, followed by tours of Bangladesh and England
- The Namibia series is designed to help South Africa’s players return to form after several months off