SWD CRICKET

22/07/2024

22/07/2024

Happy Birthday and congratulations on your birthday to former SWD cricket player, Niel Bredenkamp, who celebrates his birthday today. May blessings to you on your special day. ENJOY.

19/07/2024

Heath Richards

19/07/2024

Congratulations and Happy Birthday to mr Desmond Speelman, Chairman of the Eden Sport Council who celebrates his birthday today. Many blessings and enjoy.

18/07/2024

MANDELA DAY 2024. Visit to the Bongolethu Clinic. Very well received on cold winters morning.

17/07/2024

Happy Birthday to the former Garden Route Badgers cricketer, Matthew Christensen, who celebrates his birthday today. Many blessings to you Matt and enjoy your day

17/07/2024

CSA APPOINTS IMG ARENA AS OFFICIAL DATA SUPPLIER AND BETTING LIVE STREAMING PARTNER
________________________________________
Wednesday, 17 July 2024
________________________________________
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) today announced IMG ARENA, OpenBet’s sports data and streaming products arm, as its exclusive official Cricket South Africa Data Supplier and Betting Live Streaming Partner.

IMG ARENA, in partnership with CricViz, will collect detailed data, both live and in-venue, for CSA’s domestic and international matches spanning a wide array of competitions, from bilateral series to domestic leagues.

Data for international matches will be gathered across Men’s and Women’s Test, ODI, and T20I formats, while domestic matches will see data collection for Men's 4-day, 50 Over, and T20, as well as the Women's 50 Over and T20 formats. The data will then be distributed by IMG ARENA to more than 460 regulated sportsbook operators worldwide. IMG ARENA will also distribute live streams of CSA matches to the global betting industry.

Mark Wrigley, Vice President & Head of Rights at IMG ARENA, said: “IMG ARENA is serving fans and sportsbook operators across a wide breadth of sports and markets around the world. Alongside CricViz, we’re excited to partner with Cricket South Africa to bring fans the ultimate sportsbook experience incorporating reliable, informed data and live streaming.”

CSA Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki, said; “Our partnership with IMG ARENA is poised to revolutionise the way detailed data is collected, both live and in-venue. This collaborative endeavour will introduce South African cricket to a fresh betting audience, and we are extremely excited about this opportunity. We are collectively shaping the future of sports data collection and broadcasting, setting new standards of excellence in the industry.”

The deal further diversifies IMG ARENA’s portfolio of data and streaming rights, adding CSA to its breadth of sports properties including soccer, tennis, golf, basketball, mixed martial arts and more.

IMG ARENA delivers live streaming and data feeds for more than 65,000 events across a wide range of sports annually, as well as for on-demand virtual sports products and front-end solutions including the UFC Event Centre. Clients include UFC, MLS, PGA Tour, DP World Tour, USTA, EuroLeague, and the NWSL. IMG ARENA is part of OpenBet, a world leader in sports betting entertainment. The two Endeavor-owned businesses were integrated under the OpenBet banner in 2024 to form a global sports betting and data business.

15/07/2024

Today we celebrate the birthday of Jhedli van Briesies - a former Garden Route Badgers cricket player. He is currently playing club cricket in the United Kingdom and will join Titans next season. Many blessings and enjoy.

15/07/2024

10/07/2024

Happy Birthday to former SWD Strength and Conditioning Coach, Daniel Seha. Hope you have a great day. ENJOY

10/07/2024

Today we celebrate the birthday of former SWD Cricket Board Executive Committee member, Ms Debbie le Roux. Many blessings to you on your special day. Enjoy.

05/07/2024

Congratulations and happy birthday to former SWD Cricket BoD member, Ms Jenny Kiewit, who celebrates her birthday today. We hope and trust you will have a wonderful day. ENJOY.

03/07/2024

ANNUAL KFC MINI-CRICKET NATIONAL SEMINAR BACK TO HONOUR PROGRAMME VOLUNTEERS
________________________________________
Tuesday, 02 July 2024
________________________________________

CAPE TOWN: Cricket South Africa (CSA) and KFC take immense pride in the annual KFC Mini-Cricket Seminar, which takes place this year from June 30 to July 3, 2024, in Cape Town. This flagship event of the KFC Mini-Cricket programme brings together over 200 mini-cricket volunteer coaches and officials from various regions across the country.

The seminar serves as a crucial platform for knowledge sharing, best practice discussions, strategic planning, aiming to enhance the programme's impact, reach, and opportunities to engage even more children in South Africa's largest grassroots sports initiative.

KFC Mini-Cricket is a national treasure, with over 127,000 children participating, getting active, and making new friends. The programme not only fosters a love for the game but also promotes a healthy lifestyle, steering young participants away from social disadvantages. Supported by 16 cricket unions across South Africa, the programme is a beacon of hope and development for the youth.

Central to the success of KFC Mini-Cricket are the over 13,000 dedicated volunteer coaches. These tireless men and women support young cricketers, helping them to cultivate a passion for cricket and develop essential life skills. The annual KFC Mini-Cricket Seminar is a moment to honour and celebrate these unsung heroes.

CSA Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki, said;

"CSA is thrilled to host the annual KFC Mini-Cricket Seminar for 2024. This event is not only about improving our programme but also about recognising the incredible efforts of our volunteers who make it all possible. Their dedication ensures that thousands of children across South Africa can enjoy the benefits of this wonderful sport.

“The KFC Mini-Cricket programme is committed to providing access and levelling the playing field for children from all backgrounds. By engaging with communities nationwide, the programme breaks down barriers and creates opportunities for children who may not have had access to organised sports. This initiative is pivotal in ensuring that every child, regardless of their socio-economic status, has the chance to play cricket, develop skills, and enjoy the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle,” said Moseki.

KFC Marketing Manager for Brand and Purpose, Andra Nel, expressed enthusiasm for the new season, stating, “The KFC Mini-Cricket National Seminar is a testament to our commitment to nurturing volunteer coaches and young talent to ensure a bright future for South African cricket. As we celebrate 15 years of the KFC Mini-Cricket sponsorship, we continue to use sport as a nation builder, helping build social cohesion and providing a platform where children are encouraged to be the best version of themselves.”

“The annual KFC Mini-Cricket National Seminar not only celebrates the programme's achievements but also recognises the dedication of volunteer coaches and administrators who are crucial to the success of our programme. The importance of the KFC Mini-Cricket volunteer coaches cannot be overstated, as they form the backbone of the KFC Mini-Cricket programme, ensuring its continued success and the growth of cricket at the grassroots level. Their enthusiasm and knowledge help create a positive and engaging environment that keeps young players interested and motivated to continue playing cricket,” she concluded.

03/07/2024

Graeme Smith lauds Proteas Men’s performance at ICC T20 World Cup

League Commissioner, Graeme Smith has praised the performance of the Proteas Men’s team after the recently-concluded ICC T20 World Cup and noted the increased positivity around South African cricket, both locally and internationally.

The Proteas lost narrowly to India in a worthy Final. And Smith wished to congratulate the team.

“We at Betway SA20 are proud of the Proteas' achievements at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup,” Smith said.

“From the outset, the League, alongside Cricket South Africa, has wanted to provide South African cricketers with the opportunity to be exposed to a higher level of domestic cricket where the players are able to rub shoulders and learn from some of the best the game has to offer.

“Coupled with a unique fan experience that has brought the cricket-loving public back to our stadiums to support our heroes on the field, there is now a bridge that joins provincial and international cricket.

“Players are exposed to high-pressure and competitive cricket and this experience stood them in good stead in the US and Caribbean.”

He was particularly pleased to see the leading wicket-taker in the history of Betway SA20 Ottniel Baartman having made his debut at a global showpiece and excelling.

“Ottniel is the epitome of a Betway SA20 success story. A relatively unknown player before Betway SA20 that has transformed and grown in confidence due to experiences with the Sunrisers Eastern Cape is phenomenal,” Smith said.

“Despite playing in his very first T20 World Cup, he backed his skills under immense pressure. The four wickets against the Netherlands and the last over against Nepal definitely stands out.”

Smith feels the Proteas’ results in the US and Caribbean plays directly into the hands of Betway SA20’s overall objectives.

“People can be positive about cricket in the country again. These are things that are important to us. Smith said.

“Together with Cricket South Africa, we are committed to continuing to provide opportunities and platforms for our players to excel and inspire the next generation of cricketing talent in South Africa.

“Hopefully we have played a role in benefiting South African cricket through the SA20. It has been encouraging to hear players’ positive comments about the League throughout the T20 World Cup, with players crediting the opportunity it has created to contribute to South Africa’s cricketing talent.”

Smith also wished to congratulate Proteas' Men's T20 captain Aiden Markram on his superb leadership skills for the tournament.

“Aiden was particularly good during the tournament. He was tactically astute, had good plans and was brave enough to make the big calls and then get all his players to commit to it,” said Smith.

“We have of course seen Aiden captain in this manner before over the course of the past two Betway SA20 seasons, leading the Sunrisers Eastern Cape to back-to-back championship titles, but now he has transferred this experience to the international arena.

The entire Proteas T20 Cup squad are due to participate in South Africa’s premier T20 competition Season 3, which will commence on 9th January though until 8th February 2025.

For more information, please follow on all social media platforms.

Twitter:
Facebook:
Instagram:
TikTok:
Website:

The home of Betway SA20. SA's explosive T20 cricket league: 6 global franchises, 6 cities, 34 matches, 114 local and international players. Catch Season 2 from 10 January-10 February 2024.

01/07/2024

CRICKET SOUTH AFRICA KFC NATIONAL SEMINAR

The 2024 Cricket South Africa KFC Mini Cricket national seminar was hosted at the Arabella Hotel, Golf and Spa in Hermanus this week with the theme “Building for the Future”.

This year, 152 volunteer coaches and coordinators from across South Africa attends the event. The volunteers and coaches are the driving force behind the success of the KFC Mini Cricket programme, which benefits overs 126,000 young children across the country.

The SWD cricket delegates who attended the event is Merlin Masimela (SWD Cricket KFC Mini Cricket coordinator, Cheslan Cloete, Kirsten Levack, Marinel Pretorius, Patricia Rex, Marianette Gelant, Camerentia Titus and Limpho Ntshudu.

01/07/2024

CSA CONFIRM PROTEAS WOMEN SQUAD FOR T20I SERIES AGAINST INDIA
________________________________________
Monday, 01 July 2024
________________________________________

CHENNAI: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today confirmed the Proteas Women’s 15-player squad for the upcoming T20 International (T20I) series against India, with all matches taking place at the M.A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from 05 - 09 July.

DP World Lion’s Chloé Tryon is the only addition to the squad as she marks her return from a back injury, with the all-round duo of Delmi Tucker and Nondumiso Shangase departing the touring group following the One-Day Internationals and the one-off Test.

Proteas Women T20I Squad - Outbound Tour to India (05 - 09 July)
Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World LIons), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Mieke de Ridder (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions) (ODI Squad Only), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Eliz-Mari Marx (Fidelity Titans), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)

Proteas Women interim §head coach, Dillon du Preez commented:
“We're excited with the 15-player squad that has been selected for the T20I series. We also have Chloe back in the team after recovering from an injury. She brings a lot of experience to the team and we can't wait to see her back on the field.

“We have our last three T20I matches against India. This will give us some time to look at one or two options before we go home and start our final preparation for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh,” he added.

Proteas Women Convenor of Selectors, Clinton du Preez said:
"In selecting the squad for the upcoming T20I series against India, we focused on maintaining consistency, keeping a largely similar group to build on our strengths and cohesion. This approach allows us to refine our strategies and enhance team dynamics, which are crucial as we prepare for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.

“Our goal is to provide a platform for our players to gain valuable experience and showcase their skills, ensuring we are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. The return of Chloé Tryon is a significant addition, and we are confident that this squad will perform with the determination and excellence that defines Proteas Women cricket."

Audio featuring Proteas Women interim head coach Dillon du Preez may be downloaded here.

Fixtures - Proteas Women’s Outbound Tour to India (16 June - 09 July)
T20 International Series:
Friday, 05 July @ 15h30 - 1st T20I: India vs South Africa (M A Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai)
Sunday, 07 July @ 15h30 - 2nd T20I: India vs South Africa (M A Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai)
Tuesday, 09 July @ 15h30 - 3rd T20I: India vs South Africa (M A Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai)

01/07/2024

Happy Birthday to Garden Route Badgers Colts-, Academy and u/19 coach, Wynand de Ridder, who celebrates his special day today. Enjoy Wynand and many blessings to you.

01/07/2024

Today we celebrate the birthday of former SWD women stalwart, Annemie Koen. Many blessings to you on your very special day. Enjoy.

01/07/2024

Happy Birthday to former SWD cricket player, Roelof Hugo, who celebrates his birthday today. Many blessings.

01/07/2024

INDIA SEAL TEST VICTORY DESPITE PROTEAS WOMEN DEFIANCE ON FINAL DAY
________________________________________
Monday, 01 July 2024
________________________________________

CHENNAI: India secured a 10-wicket triumph in the one-off Test against the Proteas Women after the visitors battled to take the match into the final session of the last day in scorching hot and humid conditions at the M.A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Monday.

Laura Wolvaardt starred with the bat for South Africa in the second innings, scoring her maiden century in red-ball cricket with 122 off 314 deliveries (16 fours). She was supported by Suné Luus (109 off 203 balls; 18 fours) and a resilient 185-ball 61 from Nadine de Klerk, helping the away side post 373 all out, in addition to their first innings score of 266.

This was in response to India’s opening effort of 603/6 declared, inspired by Shafali Verma’s 205 off 197 balls (23 fours, 8 sixes) and Smriti Mandhana’s 161-ball 149 (27 fours, 1 six). The hosts then sealed the win by 10 wickets, chasing 37 runs for victory.

Indian spinner Sneh Rana was awarded the Player of the Match accolade for her career-best return in a Test match of 10/188.

Following a hard-fought penultimate day on Sunday, the Proteas Women resumed play on Day 4 at 232/2, trailing by 105 runs with overnight batters Marizanne Kapp and Wolvaardt at the crease, determined to bat as long as possible to secure a result.

That plan was soon derailed by the opposition after the pair brought up their half-century stand for the third wicket. Deepti Sharma (2/95) trapped Kapp LBW for 31, which was quickly followed by the departure of Delmi Tucker (0) off the bowling of Rana.

Although Wolvaardt celebrated her first-ever Test hundred early in the day, becoming only the third player to score centuries across all three formats in women’s cricket, the South African captain became the third wicket to fall on the final day at the hands of Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2/55), leaving the Proteas Women at 281/5 and still 56 runs behind.

Following the skipper’s exit, de Klerk showcased her fighting spirit at the crease, partnering with the lower order. Beginning with Sinalo Jafta (15), they took South Africa into the lunch break on 302/5 before Jafta retired hurt due to cramps.

Debutant Annerie Dercksen (5) then joined de Klerk at the crease at the start of the second session before being sent back to the dugout by Pooja Vastrakar (1/35). With South Africa on 310/6 and just 27 runs short of making India bat again, de Klerk found a willing partner in Tumi Sekhukhune (6). The duo combined for a laborious stand for the ninth wicket worth 14 runs in 13.5 overs before Sekhukhune was run out after a mix-up with de Klerk.

Jafta returned after receiving treatment, but her stint was cut short again, this time through an edge to slip, becoming Rana’s 10th scalp of the match.

With the visitors on the verge of taking the lead for the first time, de Klerk combined well with Masabata Klaas (2) after tea to propel South Africa in front in the match with a 23-run partnership before Klaas was clean bowled by Verma (1/7). A flurry of late runs from de Klerk, largely through boundaries, saw the all-rounder celebrate a maiden Test half-century before becoming the last wicket to fall. South Africa concluded their innings on 373 all out after 154.4 overs.

Needing just 37 runs to clinch the win, Indian openers Verma (24*) and Shubha Satheesh (13*) expertly got their team over the line within 9.2 overs, securing a hard-fought 10-wicket victory and lifting the tour’s Test trophy.

The action between India and South Africa will resume in the upcoming three-match T20 International series from 05 - 09 July, with all encounters taking place at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai.
Proteas Women ODI and Test Squad - Outbound Tour to India (16 June - 09 July)
Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World LIons), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), *Mieke de Ridder (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions) (ODI Squad Only), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), *Eliz-Mari Marx (Fidelity Titans), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), *Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), ⁠Delmi Tucker (World Sports Betting Western Province)
* Uncapped Test player

T20 International Series:
Friday, 05 July @ 15h30 - 1st T20I: India vs South Africa (M A Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai)
Sunday, 07 July @ 15h30 - 2nd T20I: India vs South Africa (M A Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai)
Tuesday, 09 July @ 15h30 - 3rd T20I: India vs South Africa (M A Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai)

30/06/2024

Congratulations and happy birthday to former SWD cricket player, Renaldo Meyer, who celebrates his birthday today. Enjoy your special day and many blessings to you Renaldo.

29/06/2024

GARDEN ROUTE BADGERS AWARDS FUNCTION 5

29/06/2024

GARDEN ROUTE BADGERS ANNUAL AWARDS FUNCTION 4

29/06/2024

GARDEN ROUTE BADGERS AWARDS FUNCTION 3

29/06/2024

GARDEN ROUTE BADGERS AWARDS FUNCTION 2

29/06/2024

GARDEN ROUTE BADGERS ANNUAL AWARDS FUNCTION 1