---
title: "David Teeger stripped of captaincy ahead of Under-19 WC as threat of protests looms"
description: "After being appointed as SA Under-19 captain, following an inquiry into comments made about Jewish soldiers, CSA has now backtracked and taken the captaincy away from David Teeger a week out from the start of the tournament."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "STUMPED"
author: "Keanan Hemmonsbey"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/keanan-hemmonsbey/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-01-12-david-teeger-stripped-of-captaincy-ahead-of-under-19-world-cup-as-threat-of-protests-loom/"
published: "2024-01-12T14:14:34"
updated: "2024-01-14T17:00:20"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 429
---

# David Teeger stripped of captaincy ahead of Under-19 WC as threat of protests looms

> After being appointed as SA Under-19 captain, following an inquiry into comments made about Jewish soldiers, CSA has now backtracked and taken the captaincy away from David Teeger a week out from the start of the tournament.

By Keanan Hemmonsbey · Published 12 January 2024, 16:14 SAST · Updated 14 January 2024, 19:00 SAST

## Key points
- David Teeger has been stripped of the SA under-19 captaincy a week before the under-19 World Cup due to alleged security risks related to potential protests concerning his comments about Israeli soldiers, although an independent security analyst disputes this claim.
- David Teeger stripped of SA under-19 captaincy ahead of World Cup
- CSA claims Teeger's continued captaincy poses security risk due to potential protests
- Independent security analyst disputes CSA's claim, suggests government or police may have different view
- New captain yet to be appointed for South Africa's opening match against West Indies

## Content

David Teeger has been stripped of the SA Under-19 captaincy by Cricket South Africa (CSA) a mere week before the Under-19 World Cup is set to commence at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom.

Late last year, Teeger endured an inquiry by CSA regarding comments he made[concerning Israeli soldiers](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-11-26-inquiry-to-investigate-sa-under-19-cricket-captains-pro-israel-comments-at-awards-ceremony/). He was[cleared of any wrongdoing](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-12-06-sa-under-19-cricket-captain-david-teeger-cleared-of-any-wrongdoing-over-israel-comments/) by the independent inquiry headed by Advocate Wim Trengove SC and was officially announced as captain a few days later in December.

CSA have now backtracked, stating that Teeger continuing as captain of the junior national team poses a security risk to the tournament.

“As is the case with all such events, CSA has been receiving regular security and risk updates regarding the World Cup,” a CSA statement read.

“We have been advised that protests related to the war in Gaza can be anticipated at the venues for the tournament.

![David Teeger of South Africa during the Men's U19 Tri-Series. (Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/pGPKevXcIMZ_fIIdVJbHgwN0FRU=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/TL_2160099.jpg)

*David Teeger of South Africa during the Men's U19 Tri-Series. (Photo: Sydney Seshibedi / Gallo Images)*

“We have also been advised that they are likely to focus on the position of the SA Under-19 (SA U19) captain, David Teeger, and that there is a risk that they could result in conflict or even violence, including between rival groups of protestors.

“CSA has a primary duty to safeguard the interests and safety of all those involved in the World Cup and must accordingly respect the expert advice of those responsible for the safety of participants and spectators.

“In all the circumstances, CSA has decided that David should be relieved of the captaincy for the tournament. This is in the best interests of all the players, the SA U19 team and David himself.

“David will remain an important and active member of the squad and we wish him and the team every success in the tournament. The newly appointed captain will be announced in due course.”

![David Teeger and Uday Saharan during the Men's U19 Tri-Series, seventh Youth ODI Final match between South Africa and India. (Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/JMB83jP60glL12vw-OYLeTXTmRo=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/TL_2160704.jpg)

*David Teeger and Uday Saharan during the Men's U19 Tri-Series, seventh Youth ODI Final match between South Africa and India. (Photo: Lee Warren / Gallo Images)*

Contrary to CSA’s statement, an independent security analyst told *Daily Maverick* that there is no direct risk from protesters to Teeger playing in the tournament, but government or police may have a different view on the matter.

Attempts to reach out to CSA Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe and CSA CEO Pholetsi Moseki were unsuccessful while Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Lawson Naidoo said he had no further comment.

A new captain has not yet been appointed with South Africa’s tournament set to get underway against West Indies next week Friday. **DM**