|| CF DESK ||

South Africa has replaced David Teeger from the role of captaincy a week before the U-19 World Cup following his comments in support of Israel.

CSA revealed that Teeger was removed with the organization bracing themselves for protests around the tournament that could “result in conflict or even violence, including between rival groups of protestors”.

“As is the case with all such events, CSA has been receiving regular security and risk updates regarding the World Cup. We have been advised that protests related to the war in Gaza can be anticipated at the venues for the tournament,” CSA said in a statement.

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

The 19-year-old dedicated an award to the soldiers in Israel when he won the Rising Star award at the ABSA Jewish Achiever Awards ceremony last year.

His comments went viral and raised heavy scrutiny, hence, to keep things under control, the CSA decided to remove him from the captaincy.

“I’ve been awarded this award, and yes, I am now the rising star, but the true rising stars are the young soldiers in Israel… So I’d like to dedicate this award to the South African family that married off one son whilst the other is still missing," Teegar said.