GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Cricket South Africa (CSA) on 23 August announced that André Olivier of South Western Districts and Warren Wyngaard of Western Province have been promoted to the first-class umpires panel, when they revealed the match officials for the 2024/25 season.

In a further notable appointment, Stacey Lackay of Western Province was announced as the second woman on the CSA reserve panel, alongside Kerrin Klaaste (also from SWD).

The renowned former ICC Elite Panel of Umpires member, Marais Erasmus, who officiated in his final international match in March, will join the first-class panel to mentor up-and-coming umpires across domestic cricket.

"We are excited about the appointment of André Olivier to the first-class panel, which reflects his commitment, perseverance and professionalism," SWD Cricket CEO Albertus Kennedy said.

"As a previous first-class cricketer, he has ploughed his umpire skills back into the game, and his appointment is well deserved."

Kennedy also congratulated another former SWD cricketer, Waldo Lategan on his appointment to the reserve panel.

"Lategan is now part of the Western Province Umpires' Association. Marais Erasmus' continued involvement is a significant boost for our first-class panel, and we are confident that the new appointments and promotions will bring valuable experience to our panels."

CSA first-class panel:

Lauren Agenbag, Marais Erasmus, Mazizi Gampu, Siphelele Gasa, Lubabalo Gcuma, Stephen Harris, Arno Jacobs, Bongani Jele, Thomas Mokorosi, André Olivier, Allahudien Paleker, Dennis Smith, Abongile Sodumo, Abdoellah Steenkamp, Brad White, Warren Wyngaard and Philip Vosloo.

CSA reserve umpires panel:

Roger Burne, Jannie Erasmus, Gladman Gaseba, Kerrin Klaaste, Muhammed Jooma, Stacey Lackay, Waldo Lategan, Wilhelm Nell, Bongani Ntshebe, Khawulani Ntuli, Jurie Sadler, Mtokozizi Shezi, Evan van der Merwe and Godwin von Willingh.

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