Former Proteas all-rounder Zander de Bruyn has been named in the Lions Over-40 squad for this month’s inter-provincial tournament in Port Elizabeth.
De Bruyn played three Tests – against India and England – in 2004.
The Lions Over-40 squad includes South Africa Over-40 duo Yasser Ditta and Brandon Buckley.
Ditta and Buckley have been appointed captain and vice-captain, respectively.
Lions Over-40 squad for 2025 IPT
- Yasser Ditta (captain)
- Brandon Buckley
- Ahmed Bharoochi
- Alan Botha
- Zander de Bruyn
- Shaan Hussain
- Sonnyboy Letshela
- Khaalid Moothosamy
- Arnold Ndindwa
- Thobani Ngqiyaza
- Jared Noah
- Zaid Patel
- Eddie Taute
- EJ van Niekerk
- Aziz Variawa
- Christoff Visser
“I am truly honoured to have been tasked to captain. While welcoming some new blood this year, the team is not short on experience, and we are looking to leverage that experience in what will be foreign conditions to us down south in Gqeberha. The team make-up is also diverse in terms of our skill sets which should hold us in good stead across all conditions,” said Ditta.
“Our side is further powered by the likes of Shaan Hussain and EJ van Niekerk – both of whom have the ability to nip wickets and clear the boundary ropes.
“Having fallen short in 2023, the players and leadership have an eye on silverware this time around, with the keys to success being our ability to adapt to the conditions as well as to play with the fighting spirit, grit and passion.”
Lions cricket service manager Reuben Mandlazi added: “We are delighted with the team that has been selected to represent us at the tournament in Gqeberha. It is a proud moment for all involved, and we look forward to seeing the team take on the rest of the country and hopefully adding to our ever-swelling trophy cabinet.”
Western Province Over-40 are the reigning IPT champions. They were captained by former Proteas batsman Ashwell Prince and beat Easterns Over-40 in 2023’s final. Former Proteas seamer Garnett Kruger played for Lions Over-40 in 2023.