GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - South Western Districts Cricket has unveiled its professional squad for the upcoming 2025/26 season, and big changes are on the cards for the Garden Route Badgers.
After a disappointing 2024/25 campaign, the team is turning a new page with the appointment of Letlotli Sesele as head coach.
Sesele is bringing fresh energy and a renewed sense of purpose to the squad, aiming to lift performances across the board.
One of the biggest shake-ups can be seen in the bowling department, where several exciting new recruits have joined the ranks. However, the Badgers also suffered a major loss with the departure of star wrist-spinner Thomas Kaber, who has signed with the division 1 outfit, the Warriors.
To fill that gap, the Badgers have snapped up talented former SA U19 and Warriors spinner Liam Alder, a promising young player with great potential.
Adding further depth to the bowling attack are Banele Cele of the Dolphins, Mondli Khumalo, a former SA U19 player of the Tuskers, and Zack Momberg, who joins from the Lions.
Like Alder, Momberg matriculated from King Edward VII School in Johannesburg.
One of the most talked-about signings is Benni Hansen's, the 2024 SA Schools and SA U19 captain and wicketkeeper-batsman. Hansen joins from Western Province and is expected to make a big impact on and off the field.
Despite the changes, the Badgers have held onto several key players.
Middle-order batsman George van Heerden, their top scorer across all formats last season, remains with the squad. Van Heerden is currently touring Bangladesh as captain of the SA Emerging team.
Also staying on are explosive wicketkeeper-batsman Luke Beaufort and all-rounder Pheko Moletsane, who enjoyed an excellent 2024/25 season.
Top-order batsmen Yaseen Valli, Ruan Terblanche and Kyle Jacobs will serve the second year of their two-year contracts.
Sesele expressed his optimism about the season ahead, saying: "I'm excited about this squad. We want to improve, compete hard and make our presence felt in every competition."
SWD CEO Albertus Kennedy echoed his sentiments. "We believe this group has what it takes. We've focused on strengthening key areas, and we're confident it will show in our results."
The SWD Badgers contracted squad for 2025/26:
Liam Alder, Luke Beaufort, Banele Cele, Benni Hansen, Kyle Jacobs, Mondli Khumalo, Pheko Moletsane, Zack Momberg, Ruan Terblanche, Yaseen Valli and George van Heerden.
High-performance contracts:
Tyrece Karelse, Sintu Majiza, Liyabona Malife and Heath Richards.
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