South Western Districts retain multi-format top run-scorer on contract extension

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George van Heerden cricketGeorge van Heerden.

Posted By: Editorial April 28, 2025

South Western Districts have retained batsman George van Heerden for the 2025-26 domestic season in South Africa.

Van Heerden, who joined SWD from the Warriors last year, was the leading run-scorer in the 2024-25 4-Day Domestic Series, division two. He was SWD’s top run-scorer in the One-Day Cup, division two, and T20 Knockout.

He has since been selected for South Africa Emerging‘s tour of Bangladesh next month.

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“George van Heerden, the top run-scorer for the Garden Route Badgers during the past season, has been included in the squad of 15 for the SA Emerging tour to Bangladesh from 6 to 31 May 2025,” read a statement from South Western Districts.

“The SA Emerging team forms an important feeder system to the Proteas and SA A teams. Due to this, the selected SA Emerging team will primarily consist of players identified as showing potential to fill future roles within the SA A and Proteas teams.

“The Badgers have also confirmed that the extension of van Heerden’s contract for next season with the Oudtshoorn-based team has happened.”

SWD, meanwhile, have lost left-arm wrist spinner Thomas Kaber to the Warriors. SWD all-rounder Kelly Smuts and batsman Keenan Vieira have retired from professional cricket.

SWD chief executive officer Albertus Kennedy said: “Kelly was a long-serving servant to cricket, and we respect his retirement and service to SWD cricket as well as for Keenan. We are grateful for an opportunity at the next level for Thomas and although he will be missed he deserved the call-up to division one.”

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