SWD Cricket announces contracted squad

GARDEN ROUTE CRICKET NEWS - South Western Districts Cricket (SWDC) has announced five new signings as part of their senior provincial contracted squad for 2020/21.

Former Warriors and Eastern Province all-rounder with 104 first class matches, 14 centuries and 20 half-centuries to his credit, Kelly Smuts, will further his career in Oudtshoorn. The 30-year old Smuts is a younger brother of Proteas all-rounder, Jon-Jon.

Hanno Kotzé, who made his debut for SWD in December 2013, will be back in the Southern Cape after two seasons with Boland where he scored a double first class hundred (222) in the 2018/19 season. Kotzé, who played in 40 first class and 45 list A matches, also represented the Cape Cobras in the Momentum One Day Cup during the past season.

In addition, SWD acquired the services of experienced front-line batsman Simon Khomari, who represented the Cape Cobras. He played in 87 first class matches, 56 list A and 23 Twenty/20 matches.

Recognition was also given to local talent with the inclusion of Jhedli van Briesies (19) and Levin Muller (21) to the squad. Van Briesies, who matriculated at Langenhoven Gymnasium in 2019, is a product of the Hub development programme and already represented SWD the past season. As wicketkeeper / batsman he excelled for the Cobras Cubs during the recent CSA Franchise Cubs Week in Stellenbosch.

SWD also acquired the services of the experienced front-line batsman Simon Khomari, who represented the Cape Cobras. Photo: Thinus Maritz/Gallo Images

Hanno Kotzé, who made his debut for SWD in December 2013, will be back in the Southern Cape after two seasons with Boland. Photo: Thinus Maritz/Gallo Images

Muller, who represented SWD at school level as an Outeniqua High learner, was rewarded for his performances with the bat in club cricket.

SWD's most experienced player, Brendon Louw, will leave the Southern Cape after 10 years of loyal service to the union. Louw, who debuted for SWD as an 18-year old in 2010, was only the second player from SWD to be selected for the South African Schools team. He played in 109 first class, 72 List A and 37 Twenty/20 matches and also captained the team. He has signed a contract with Western Province and will be hoping to have a crack at the Cobras team as a backup wicketkeeper for Kyle Verrynne.

Experienced players like Neil Hornbuckle, Tsepo Ndwandwa and Jean du Plessis were retained in the squad.

SWD Cricket chief executive, Albertus Kennedy, expressed his confidence in the squad. "It is an exciting group of players and we are looking forward to the challenges of the 2020/21 season."

Levin Muller was rewarded for his performances with the bat in club cricket with a place in the SWD senior squad. Photo: Johan Rynners/Gallo Images

He also paid tribute to Brendon Louw's dedication to SWD cricket over the past decade. "We wish him all the best for his future career and simultaneously we would also like to congratulate Stefan Tait - who was on loan to the Warriors for the second half of the season - for being rewarded with a franchise contract with the Eastern Cape franchise," he said.

Richardt Frenz has retired from cricket.

The provincial contracted squad are: Herschell America, Kirwin Christoffels, Jean du Plessis, Neil Hornbuckle, Simon Khomari, Hanno Kotzé, Renaldo Meyer, Levin Muller, Tsepo Ndwandwa, Kelly Smuts and Jhedli van Briesies.

Kelly Smuts of the Warriors will further his cricket career in Oudtshoorn. Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images