The Gbets Rocks have announced their squad for the CSA T20 Challenge commencing this weekend.
The Paarl-based team have selected a strong mix off experience with the exuberance of the youth also well represented in the 17-man strong squad.
The Rocks have been one of the country’s strongest T20 units post the franchise-era after winning the title in Gqerberha in 2022 and claiming a semi-final spot in Potchefstroom last season.
They kickstart their campaign with a trip to Johannesburg to face the Lions at the Wanderers before facing the Titans at home at Boland Parkon Sunday.
The Malan brothers – Captain Pieter and mainstay, Janneman, will lead the batting charge along with Proteas test batsman, Keegan Petersen and another Protea, Clyde Fortuin, who will once again don the wicketkeeping gloves.
Aviwe Mgijima will be hoping to continue his rich vein of form whilst Michael Copeland and the experienced Christiaan Jonker will add some firepower to the batting lineup.
All-rounders, Fersico Adams, Hardus Viljoen and Shaun von Berg will be looking to make contributions with both bat and ball whilst spinners Siya Mahima, Imraan Manack and Adrian du Toit could prove to be dangerous, especially at Boland Park.
Glenton Stuurman, Akhona Mnyaka and Achille Cloete will spearhead the fast-bowling department with Jevano Baron also waiting also in the wings.
Rocks head coach, former Protea, Justin Ontong, has emphasized the importance of a good tournament for his side.
‘’We’ve prepared well for this competition. We’ve had a couple of inter squad matches and could feel the intensity of it, which was great. It’s important to try and win the first couple of games because we know momentum is key.
“We know the Lions and the Titans will be especially tough opening games for us. They will have all their Proteas available, but we see it as an opportunity for us to compete against some of the best in the world. If we manage to be successful against these two teams and will only bolster our confidence and the belief within our squad.’’
Ontong, a Paarl native, urged the locals to come out and support his boys. He said: ‘’We always get good support from the people in the Boland region. I know that people in the rest of the country always rave about how nice it is to play at Boland Park. We know our people love sport and are passionate about cricket and the players feed off their support. They are our 12th man.’’
The Gbets Rocks play their first home game against the Multiply Momentum Titans at Boland Park on Sunday.
Gbets Rocks squad for CSA T20 Challenge
- Pieter Malan ©
- Janneman Malan
- Keegan Petersen
- Clyde Fortuin
- Aviwe Mgijima
- Michael Copeland
- Christaan Jonker
- Ferisco Adams
- Shaun von Berg
- Hardus Viljoen
- Glenton Stuurman
- Akhona Mnyaka
- Achille Cloete
- Siya Mahima
- Imraan Manack
- Jevano Baron
- Adrian du Toit
