In preparation for the new Domestic Restructure in South African Cricket, Boland CEO James Fortuin aimed to build a competitive team with an immediate focus on making the fans proud, both on and off the field.
The union – parented by the reputable Paarl Rocks outfit, who are the current champions of the Mzansi Super League (MSL) – has adopted a clear vision of giving back and “showing gratitude” to their loyal fans.
“Our fans deserve this,” Boland Cricket CEO, James Fortuin, said of their initiatives and aims of growing the game in the region.
“Sport has the ability to unearth deep regional loyalties and to do well. We wanted to put together a group of young men at the prime of their sporting prowess to represent this region.
“And we realised that we needed a stronger, seasonal core of players around which to build this team while providing opportunities for the exciting talent we have in our region.”
With Boland being placed in the premier division of the recent domestic restructuring made by Cricket South Africa (CSA), the side is set to have a yardstick by which to hone, develop and attract talent from all walks of life.
While the union aims to evolve into a force to be reckoned with, they still prioritise relationship-building with its assortment of players and stakeholders.
“As the team unfolded over many discussions, we came with that strong core of players whom we started relationships with.
“Guys like Stiaan van Zyl were willing to come back and play for us. We have exciting talent such as Janneman and Pieter Malan, as well as Ferisco Adams and Michael Copeland, a South African U19 star.
“So there was a lot of consultation that I led in my capacity as CEO. But I have to also give credit to the people who developed the philosophy and put together the names that now [comprise] the Boland team.”
The squad strikes the perfect balance between experience and youth, as well as the varying attributes of the players in the fold. The union has a particular focus on their long-term visions and advancements.
“Pieter Malan, Hardus Viljoen and Stiaan van Zyl will probably anchor the batting and spearhead our attack, and around them we will adjudge players who’d be complementary to their experience while also feeding off and learning from them.
“We put together a team not only for next season but for the future. We want to grow this team in the future.”
Fortuin added that stalwarts such as the Malan brothers were offered three-year contracts, while other campaigners like Van Zyl and Viljoen were offered two-year deals, all with the purpose of allowing “our youngsters to grow with them into the future”.
“I have a great group of players and the senior core, who’ve had a long-standing relationship with us, have this kind of demeanour to perform under pressure.
“We want to compete and we want to win, but we also want to be the pride in this region.”
The set-up aspires to be “more than just a cricket team”, Fortuin added.
“We play for our fans. There is no difference between what is happening on the field and off the field.
“We want to keep our community and we have a deep affinity for the game. This team is an expression of that.
“We’ve kept our fan base at the back of our minds and we’ve realised that we can only be an effective organisation if we mobilise all our stakeholders, of whom all our fans and players are the most important.”
Ultimately, Fortuin has shown stern acknowledgement and regard for their opportunity to “showcase our local talent”, while recognising the “value we can add to the South African cricket system”.
Boland Squad: Janneman Malan, Pieter Malan, Hardus Viljoen, Is-maeel Gafieldien, Ferisco Adams, Siyabonga Mahima, Christiaan Jonker, Ruan Terblanche, Imraan Manack, Shaun von Berg, Michael Copeland, Zakhele Qwabe, Clyde Fortuin, Achille Cloete, Stiaan van Zyl, Ziyaad Abrahams, Kyle Abbott.
This content was sponsored by Boland Cricket.
