South Western Districts have signed seamer Banele Cele for the 2025-26 domestic season in South Africa.
Cele was previously with the Dolphins. He played two matches in the 2024-25 season – once in the T20 Challenge and once in the 4-Day Domestic Series, division one. He was not selected in the One-Day Cup, division one.
SWD have also signed seamer Mondli Khumalo from the Tuskers, spinner Liam Alder from the Warriors and wicketkeeper-batsman Beni Hansen from Western Province.
“The significant change to the squad is visible in the bowling department with exciting new blood that has been recruited to bolster performances. The biggest loss to the squad is the departure of the match-winning wrist spinner Thomas Kaber to the Warriors – a division one franchise. Kelly Smuts and Keenan Vieira have retired from cricket,” read a statement from SWD.
“Other new recruits in the bowling department are Banele Cele, Mondli Khumalo and Zack Momberg. SWD have maintained the services of George van Heerden and Luke Beaufort. Pheko Moletsane, who had a very good season in 2024-25, has also been retained.
“We have raised some eyebrows in obtaining the services of the 2024 SA Schools and SA Under-19 captain and wicketkeeper-batsman Beni Hansen from Western Province.
“Yaseen Valli, Ruan Terblanche and Kyle Jacobs will serve their second year of their two-year contracts with the Badgers.”
SWD recently appointed new head coach Letlotle Sesele. He has succeeded former SWD head coach Gurshwin Rabie.
“I am excited with the contracted squad, and we will look to improve and give a proper account of ourselves and we would like to do so in every competition,” said Sesele.
SWD contracted squad for 2025-26
- Liam Alder
- Luke Beaufort
- Banele Cele
- Beni Hansen
- Kyle Jacobs
- Mondli Khumalo
- Pheko Moletsane
- Zack Momberg
- Ruan Terblanche
- Yaseen Valli
- George van Heerden
- Tyrece Karelse (high performance contract)
- Sintu Majiza (high performance contract)
- Liyabona Malife (high performance contract)
- Heath Richards (high performance contract)