CRICKET NEWS - SWD Cricket announced their squad of 13 for Pool B of the Africa T20 Cup which will be hosted by SWD Cricket from 14 to 16 September.
Oudtshoorn will, as in 2016, be the host for Pool B - the pool of the death - which will see hosts SWD together with Gauteng, Northerns, Free State and Zimbabwe in action.
Four franchise-contracted players from the Cape Cobras were included in the SWD team.
Top order batsman Zubayr Hamza, all-rounders Aviwe Mgijima and Jason Smith, together with opening bowler Tladi Bokako, will be key players for the home team.
SWD's top performer last season, Obus Pienaar, will be an important player in the batting line-up, while experienced SWD players such as Marcello Piedt, Neil Horbuckle and Brendon Louw will boost the SWD squad.
Leg spinner Jaco Janse van Rensburg, who will make his debut for SWD with Jean du Plessis and Bradley de Villiers will be the three U21 players in the squad. The rules of the competition require that two U21 players must be included in the starting eleven.
The SWD squad is Zubayr Hamza, Neil Hornbuckle, Yamkela Oliphant, Obus Pienaar, Brendon Louw, Jean du Plessis, Jason Smith, Aviwe Mgijima, Marcello Piedt, Jaco Janse van Rensburg, Tladi Bokako, Bradley de Villiers and Tsepo Ndwandwa. The other teams that will participate in Pool B were also confirmed.
Eddie Leie of the VKB Knights. Photo: Louis Botha/Gallo Images
Gauteng: Themba Bavuma, Muhammed Mayet, Ndumiso Mvelase, Delano Potgieter, Ryan Rickelton, Willem Mulder, Zanzima Pongolo, Chad Classen, Kgaudise Molefe, Nandre Burger, Carmi le Roux and Juan Landsberg.
Free State: Andries Gous, Karabo Mogotsi, Romano Terblanche, Beyers Swanepoel, Loyiso Mdashe, Thando Lwethu, Patrick Botha, Dilivio Ridgard, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Sean Whitehead, Eddie Leie and Corne Dry.
Zimbabwe: Ryan Murray, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Timycen Maruma, Neville Madziva, Rugare Magarira, Richmond Mutumbami, Muhammad Akram, Cephas Zhuwawo, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Brandon Mavuta, Richard Ngarava and Brian Chari.
Northerns: Jiveshen Pillay, Gionne Koopman, Ruben Herman, Luvuyo Nkese, Gregory Mahlokwana, Jiveshen Pillay, Neil Brand, Victor Mahlangu, Mitchell van Buuren, Leus du Plooy, Sammy Mofekeng and Ruan de Swardt.
Matches will be hosted at the Recreation Ground and the Bridgton Sports Grounds.
Diego Rosier of Northern Cape. Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
Mitchell van Buuren of Northerns. Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
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