JOHANNESBURG, May 20: Cricket South Africa on Saturday announced plans to prepare the team for 2007 World Cup.

Gerald Majola, CEO, outlined a strategic plan which includes a 25-man training squad, a 16-man squad for Emerging Players tournament in Australia and addition of Jonty Rhodes as a specialist ODI coach until after World Cup.

He said: “This strategic plan is aimed at leaving no stone unturned in order give Proteas very best preparation available. We have appointed an executive committee comprising Haroon Lorgat (convenor of selectors), Mickey Arthur (coach), Graeme Smith (captain), Vince van der Bijl (professional cricket general manager) and myself as CSA CEO.

“Our job will be to see that all relevant stakeholders, including specialist coaches and ground staff, are involved to bring a single-minded focus on preparing players who are potential final squad members.

“We will be using all expertise at our disposal in this plan. We have added Jonty Rhodes to management team as ODI specialist from now until after World Cup.”

Rhodes will help Pakistan in coming weeks and returns to his country on a longer-term deal.

Majola said it must be stressed that final World Cup squad of 15 will not necessarily be picked from these players only.

“We have also chosen a 16-man squad to take part in 2006 Emerging Player Tournament in Australia in July, involving India, Australia and New Zealand.

He said new think-tank committee would also plan around upcoming five international tournaments to prepare for World Cup. South Africa tour Sri Lanka in August, take part in the Champions Trophy October, then host India and Pakistan for full tours from November to January.

Coach Mickey Arthur will also head specialist cricket committee to plan tactics and strategies.

25-man training squad: Graeme Smith, Boeta Dippenaar, Herschelle Gibbs, A.B. de Villiers, Jaques Kallis, Justin Kemp, Mark Boucher, Shaun Pollock, Robin Peterson, Andrew Hall, Makhaya Ntini, Loots Bosman, Ashwell Prince, Nicky Boje, Roger Telemachus, Charl Langerveld, Garnett Kruger, Dale Steyn, Johan van der Wath, Andre Nel, Justin Ontong, Alfonso Thomas, Johan Botha, Monde Zondeki, Albie Morkel.

Emerging players squad: Neil McKenzie, Loots Bosman, Alviro Peterson, J-P Duminy, Albie Morkel, Justin Ontong, Robin Peterson, Thami Tsolekile, Charl Langeveldt, Garnett Kruger, Monde Zondeki, Thandi Tshabalala, Davey Jacobs, Alfonso Thomas, Johan van der Wath, Morne van Wyk.—Agencies