Cricket South Africa teams for next season

The teams and their positioning in the new domestic cricket structure were finalised early last month when an independent evaluation committee revealed the look of the new South African cricket landscape, following a bidding process that was open to all 15 unions.

Boland, Central Gauteng Lions, Eastern Province, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal (Coastal), North West, Northerns and the Western Province were the successful candidates during that process.

“This is an exciting time for everyone involved in South African cricket as we look ahead to a new era that will start in 2021/22,” said CSA acting chief executive officer Pholetsi Moseki.

“At an initial glance, the squads all look extremely well-balanced and that can only bode well for everyone as we anticipate a strengthened domestic cricket system.”

He said the squads are highly impressive as some of the best talents have been spread across the country. As winners of two competitions this past season, the KZN Coastal side have managed to retain most of their players, while also bringing Thando Ntini, Bryce Parsons and Jason Smith to Durban.

The Imperial Lions were also double winners in 2020/21 and the new Central Gauteng-based side too have opted to retain the bulk of the Lions group, keeping 10 of the 16 previously contracted players.

They have also added a host of local semi-pro players to their roster and have included on their side the signature of the exciting and experienced fast bowler, Duanne Olivier.

CGL CEO Jono Leaf-Wright said, “We believe we have blended our squad well with experience and youth, the experience coming from those that served us and other teams so well over the years and the youth from our semi-pro ranks.

“We will continue to play as the Imperial Lions with our aim to be the pride of Jozi and believe this contracted squad plus the many Protea players that represent us can certainly help us achieve that.

“We are certainly looking forward to building on the success of the franchise era and the trophies we won when this exciting new chapter of South African domestic cricket begins in the coming months.”

As one of two new top-tier teams in the new structure, Boland had to start from scratch when it came to recruitment. Among their major signings are the Malan brothers, Pieter and Janneman, Hardus Viljoen, Christiaan Jonker and Shaun von Berg.

Another new team to join the top tier is North West and they have put together an equally formidable list of players, the big names being Senuran Muthusamy, Heino Kuhn and Nicky van den Bergh.

The Eastern Province has roped in the exciting Dane Paterson, Akhona Mnyaka and Diego Rosier, adding to their already impressive squad from the past season.

Ayabulela Gqamane, Aaron Phangiso, Simon Harmer and Grant Mokoena are some of the exciting new faces to look out for at Northerns.

Among the recruits at Free State are Gregory Mohlokwana, Mangaliso Mosehle and local pair Dilivio Ridgaard and Nealan Van Heerden.

Western Province placed experience as their priority area with former Proteas Hashim Amla, Vernon Philander and Wayne Parnell being recruited, together with Basheer Walters and David Bedingham.