North West’s contracted squad for the 2023-24 domestic season in South Africa has been announced.
The 18-man squad includes batsman Wihan Lubbe, who has returned to North West from the Warriors – and former Knights duo Raynard van Tonder and Migael Pretorius.
North West have also contracted seamers Gideon Peters and Bamanye Xenxe from Border and Boland, respectively, and batsmen Lesiba Ngoepe, Rubin Hermann and Ruan de Swardt. Ngoepe, Hermann and de Swardt have joined from the Warriors, Mpumalanga and Dolphins, respectively.
All-rounder Delano Potgieter and seamer Renaldo Meyer have not been re-contracted by North West after leaving for the Lions and Warriors, respectively.
North West 2023-24 contracted squad
- Wihan Lubbe
- Migael Pretorius
- Ruan de Swardt
- Raynard van Tonder
- Lesiba Ngoepe
- Meeka-eel Prince (rookie contract)
- Rubin Hermann
- Gideon Peters
- Bamanye Xenxe
- Hlompho Modimokoane
- Senuran Muthusamy
- Nicky van den Bergh
- Lesego Senokwane
- Duan Jansen
- Grant Mokoena
- Kerwin Mungroo
- Caleb Seleka
- Dwaine Pretorius
What North West head coach Craig Alexander said
“When I picked the squad, I focused on players who can play in all three formats and who are committed to giving everything for the team,” the Potchefstroom Herald quoted Alexander as saying.
“The players all have good stats and most importantly have the correct character. We want to play a positive brand of cricket that is in line with the Proteas. I am excited for the season ahead and I believe this squad will make the North West Dragons thrive.”
‘Home-based players are important’
North West acting chief executive officer Ismail Minty added: “We want to compete in all three formats and get the local fans behind the team. That why the home-based players are important. If the Dragons perform, then the Proteas selectors will naturally keep an eye out.”