POTCHEFSTROOM: The Momentum Multiply Titans were crowned the 2022/23 Cricket South Africa (CSA) T20 Challenge champions at the JB Marks Oval on Saturday.

Dolphins had won the toss and opted to bat first when Ayabulela Gqamane’s first ball dismissed leading run-scorer, Grant Roelofsen, without any runs.

Keegan Petersen (63 off 51) and Jon-Jon Smuts (69 off 50) remained calm and combined for a century to set the Dolphins up for a competitive total. Petersen’s knock consisted of six boundaries and two maximums whilst Smuts blasted eight boundaries and one maximum.

A brilliant penultimate over from Dayyaan Galiem, which only conceded three runs saw the departure of Smuts. Jason Smith (21* off 7) and Andile Simelane (8*) played well in the end to see Dolphins on 162/3 in 20 overs.

With the target set on 163 runs, the Tshwane-men paced their chase well to reach the required score with two balls to spare.

The Dolphins were well within their defence when Daryn Dupavillon (2/34) dismissed openers, Dewald Brevis (2), and Jiveshen Pillay (18)within powerplay. Theunis de Bruyn (32 off 19) and Sibonelo Makhanya (13) were caught by Eathan Bosch going for maximum points. Neil Brand (18 off 19 ) was caught and bowled by Smuts and Titans slipped to 98/5 in 14 overs.

Donavon Ferreira (40 off 25) and Dayaan Galiem (32* off 22) played the crucial knocks which took Titans over the line. The pair combined for 63-runs in the final five overs to take the match to an exciting finish. Ferreira was run out in the final over with Titans needing three from three. On the next delivery, Galiem smashed a boundary to end the innings on 165/6 and Titans were crowned champions of the CSA T20 Challenge.

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

POTCHEFSTROOM: The Momentum Multiply Titans were crowned the 2022/23 Cricket South Africa (CSA) T20 Challenge champions at the JB Marks Oval on Saturday.

Dolphins had won the toss and opted to bat first when Ayabulela Gqamane’s first ball dismissed leading run-scorer, Grant Roelofsen, without any runs.

Keegan Petersen (63 off 51) and Jon-Jon Smuts (69 off 50) remained calm and combined for a century to set the Dolphins up for a competitive total. Petersen’s knock consisted of six boundaries and two maximums whilst Smuts blasted eight boundaries and one maximum.

A brilliant penultimate over from Dayyaan Galiem, which only conceded three runs saw the departure of Smuts. Jason Smith (21* off 7) and Andile Simelane (8*) played well in the end to see Dolphins on 162/3 in 20 overs.

With the target set on 163 runs, the Tshwane-men paced their chase well to reach the required score with two balls to spare.

The Dolphins were well within their defence when Daryn Dupavillon (2/34) dismissed openers, Dewald Brevis (2), and Jiveshen Pillay (18)within powerplay. Theunis de Bruyn (32 off 19) and Sibonelo Makhanya (13) were caught by Eathan Bosch going for maximum points. Neil Brand (18 off 19 ) was caught and bowled by Smuts and Titans slipped to 98/5 in 14 overs.

Donavon Ferreira (40 off 25) and Dayaan Galiem (32* off 22) played the crucial knocks which took Titans over the line. The pair combined for 63-runs in the final five overs to take the match to an exciting finish. Ferreira was run out in the final over with Titans needing three from three. On the next delivery, Galiem smashed a boundary to end the innings on 165/6 and Titans were crowned champions of the CSA T20 Challenge.

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Cricket South Africa (CSA) shares in the disappointment of South Africans on the loss of the Proteas to the Netherlands at the Adelaide Oval, in Australia on Sunday, which eliminated them from the ICC T20 World Cup tournament. Chasing 159 to win, the Proteas fell to 145/8, a demise which means they will miss the semi-finals.

The Proteas started their T20 World Cup campaign on a solid footing, which boosted the Team’s confidence. However, despite the Proteas’ efforts on the pitch with the Netherlands, the latter went away with the stakes.

Speaking on the team’s early exit from the tournament, CSA Director of Cricket, Enoch Nkwe said:

“The reality is that the Team did not perform to expectations, which occasioned this disappointing outcome. It is our duty to regroup and rebuild based on our glaring shortcomings at the T20 World Cup.”

CSA Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki added:

“The Proteas went to the ICC T20 World Cup with high hopes that they would make it to the final. CSA supported the team on their campaign and held high hopes that they will carry through. It is unfortunate that they did not make it as we had all hoped. However, it is incumbent to support them into the future.

“It is evidently hard for all of us to be faced with this disappointment. However, our focus should be rebuilding the team for future success. Lessons learnt from this experience will be inculcated into strategies to redeem from the weaknesses and build a formidable attack in future.”

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Cricket South Africa (CSA) shares in the disappointment of South Africans on the loss of the Proteas to the Netherlands at the Adelaide Oval, in Australia on Sunday, which eliminated them from the ICC T20 World Cup tournament. Chasing 159 to win, the Proteas fell to 145/8, a demise which means they will miss the semi-finals.

The Proteas started their T20 World Cup campaign on a solid footing, which boosted the Team’s confidence. However, despite the Proteas’ efforts on the pitch with the Netherlands, the latter went away with the stakes.

Speaking on the team’s early exit from the tournament, CSA Director of Cricket, Enoch Nkwe said:

“The reality is that the Team did not perform to expectations, which occasioned this disappointing outcome. It is our duty to regroup and rebuild based on our glaring shortcomings at the T20 World Cup.”

CSA Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki added:

“The Proteas went to the ICC T20 World Cup with high hopes that they would make it to the final. CSA supported the team on their campaign and held high hopes that they will carry through. It is unfortunate that they did not make it as we had all hoped. However, it is incumbent to support them into the future.

“It is evidently hard for all of us to be faced with this disappointment. However, our focus should be rebuilding the team for future success. Lessons learnt from this experience will be inculcated into strategies to redeem from the weaknesses and build a formidable attack in future.”

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Marcell Coetzee has extended his commitment to the Vodacom Bulls until 2027.
The Springbok flanker initially joined the Vodacom Bulls (from Ulster) in June 2021 on a three-year deal, quickly becoming a vital member of the squad, making 33 appearances in all competitions. Coetzee’s impact since arriving at Loftus has been nothing short of impactful, helping lead the side to the finals of the then, debut season of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
A South African international, Marcell has 31 national caps to his name, having made his debut for the Boks in June 2012, against England.
Speaking on his decision to extend his loyalty to the Vodacom Bulls, Marcell said: “it was a no brainer, I really love playing for the Vodacom Bulls, I believe we are on a path towards something special and one wants to be part of a team that is destined to hit their heights pretty soon. The side has a lovely bunch of guys,”
Coetzee has said that he has no other intentions but to return to Pretoria post his six-month-long sabbatical in Japan.
“The weekend may have been my last match for the Vodacom Bulls, but I will return at the back end of April come 2023. I missed my country a lot during my five years at Ulster so I know I am coming back after this short journey,”
On what makes the Vodacom Bulls so special, Marcell commented: “It is an honour to play for this team, I am extremely happy with where I am with the Bulls, the staff and the team spirit we have built, that is where my heart is. Me and my wife have definitely found a home in Pretoria and we cannot wait to see how further the team develops and how I can help in driving and contributing to its success in the future.”

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Dewald Brevis delivered a record-breaking performance in the Cricket South Africa (CSA) T20 Challenge on Monday.

The Momentum Multiply Titans were put to the bat first by the ITEC Knights in an encounter that broke the world record for the highest match aggregate in a T20 game.

Brevis blasted 162 off 57 balls to record the highest individual score in the CSA T20 Challenge. His knock was made up of 13 boundaries and 13 maximums as the Momentum Multiply ended their innings on 271/3.

He had the support of Jiveshen Pillay (52 off 45) and Donavon Ferreira (33 off 15). His opening partnership with Pillay provided 179 runs for the first wicket and 53 runs with Ferreira.

Dayyaan Galiem (7*) and Theunis de Bruyn (5*) only faced a few deliveries as the Titans recorded the highest team total in the competition.

The Knights took the challenge head-on in their response with Gihahn Cloete and Jacques Snyman, sharing a quick 72 runs. Snyman was caught by Brevis off Simon Harmer just after powerplay for 28. Cloete departed shortly after with 51 runs, caught by Neil Brand off Aaron Phangiso.

Titans continued to take wickets at regular intervals and Knights ended their innings on 230/9. Other major contributions tallying up the runs for Knights were Gerald Coetzee (37 off 11 with five maximums and one boundary), Migael Pretorius (29 off 14), Isaac Dikgale (28 off 13), and Patrick Kruger (22 off 13).

The teams scored 501 over the two innings, which is a world record aggregate for a T20 match.

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

NEW YORK (October 31, 2022) – For the first time since 2008, legendary rock band Counting Crows announced their return to South Africa with two performances on their critically acclaimed "Butter Miracle Tour.” The two special performances are set for Friday, April 14, at the SunBet Arena, Time Square in Pretoria and Sunday, April 16, at the Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town. Counting Crows Butter Miracle Tour follows the release of the band's latest record in 2021, BUTTER MIRACLE, SUITE ONE, and the successful U.S, U.K., and European tour of the same name in 2022.

First performing in South Africa in 1999 to sold-out crowds across the country, Counting Crows returned to over 37,000 fans in 2004 before their last appearance in June 2008 following the release of their fifth studio album, Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings. The band's 2023 return marks the fourth time frontman Adam Duritz, and the Counting Crows have performed in Cape Town.

Artist presale and Discovery Bank pre-sale for the South Africa dates begin Wednesday, November 2, at 9:00 AM local time through Friday 8:59 AM, November 4 from www.ticketmaster.co.za. Sign up for your Discovery Bank Card today and get tickets to the biggest concerts before everyone else with Discovery Bank.

Tickets go on sale to the general public starting Friday, November 4 at 9:00 AM local time from www.ticketmaster.co.za.

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

SYDNEY: Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi believes the Proteas must play to their strengths when they take on Bangladesh in a crucial ICC Men’s T20 World Cup clash at the SCG in Sydney on Thursday.

South Africa were cruelly denied victory by the weather in their opening match of the competition against Zimbabwe on Monday and they now have some catching up to do when they face-off against the Tigers, who beat the Netherlands in their championship opener.

It means that Mark Boucher’s side have little room for error, but paceman Ngidi insists they are not feeling any additional pressure.

“I think everyone’s under pressure in this tournament if you looking to win,” he told the media ahead of the game. “With that claim that we’ll be hungry to win that’s definitely true. We’d obviously have loved to win in the first game and we know now what pressure we have in terms of going forward in the tournament. To say we’re under more pressure, I would say it’s pretty equal if you looking to win the World Cup. May the best team win.”

The tournament has been a good one for the fast bowlers so far as Australia’s pitches have lived up to their reputation of pace and bounce.

Ngidi said: “I think at the moment we are just playing towards our strengths. From the games we’ve watched so far, we’ve seen that pace has probably been the most successful throughout the tournament, so we’re going to play towards our strengths.

“Against Bangladesh we obviously want to attack them using our strengths and that is the pace. Depending on how they handle that we’ll find out tomorrow but all in all we pretty much run with what we’re good at.”

The nature of the pitches have also led to more happier bowlers and Ngidi continued: “Definitely (I think T20 cricket is better when bowlers have a say in it). It makes things more competitive. We saw the India-Pakistan game, it got really tight and I think that’s what people want to see…not absolute blowouts of teams scoring 240 and then you pretty much struggle to try and get there. I think when the competition gets a lot closer it makes for better cricket.”

South Africa have a formidable record against Bangladesh in T20Is, winning all seven of their previous meetings. However, the Asian side stunned the Proteas by beating then in a One-Day International (ODI) series on home soil earlier this year.

“The last time we played Bangladesh their batsmen came out very aggressively against us,” Ngidi recalled. “So we’re cognisant of that fact. We’ll definitely be targeting their top order. We know they have (captain) Shakib (al-Hasan) to control the middle and if he’s there at the back end. I’m sure their batsmen. But as the bowling unit we’re definitely looking to cut the head of the snake which is probably take out their top order and try to restrict them to as low a total as possible.”

Rain is also predicted for the game in Sydney, but Ngidi says their focus is not on the forecast.

“To be honest you control what we can and the weather’s one thing we don’t have a say in,” he concluded. “We were eager to get out on the park in Hobart and I think everyone that was there did their bit in trying to get a game going, so appreciative in that sense, but at the end of the day we couldn’t control what happened with the rain.

“It does put us a bit under pressure with another forecast of rain tomorrow. I think we just got a bit of bad luck following to be honest but we’ve got no say in how the weather plays out. The only thing we can do is get here and we’ll be prepared to play.”

South Africa squad - ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia 2022
Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions), Marco Jansen (Gbets Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Anrich Nortje (Gbets Warriors), Wayne Parnell (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Rilee Rossouw (ITEC Knights), Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tristan Stubbs (Gbets Warriors).

South Africa Group Stage Itinerary

Monday, 24 October – 19:00 (10:00 SAST)
South Africa vs Zimbabwe ended in a no result – Bellerive Oval, Hobart

Thursday, 27 October – 14:00 (05:00 SAST)
South Africa vs Bangladesh – SCG, Sydney

Sunday, 30 October – 19:00 (13:00 SAST)
India vs South Africa – Perth Stadium, Perth

Thursday, 03 November – 19:00 (10:00 SAST)
Pakistan vs South Africa – SCG, Sydney

Sunday, 06 November – 10:30 (02:00 SAST)
South Africa vs Netherlands – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

The Vodacom Bulls have agreed to a deal to sign Wilco Louw from English side, Harlequins on a three-year deal beginning 1 July 2023.
The 28-year-old prop - who is no stranger to Pretoria - joins the Vodacom Bulls having established himself as one of the leading players in his position. Wilco’s career began in the Cape Winelands, then developed through the Bulls’ youth structures and mastered at the Stormers, where he made more than a century of appearances before moving to apply his trade in Europe. The Ceres native spent a short-term spell with French side, Toulon, before going on to earn 49* caps for his current club, Harlequins, for whom he scored a try in the final (against Exeter) to help the English club win the 2020/21 Premiership Rugby crown.
Louw’s rise to stardom began back in 2012, when he represented Boland at the Craven Week competition, putting in performances that would earn him a call-up into the South African Schoolboys squad, where he victoriously featured in clashes against England, Wales and France. Soon after, he went on to join the under-19 Bulls ensemble that would go on to win the 2014 under-19 Currie Cup. Earning him a call-up to the South African under-20 side, which would eventually lose the under-20 World Championship finals to England. Having graduated from the under-19’s, Wilco went on to win the under-20 Provincial championship before returning to the Cape, to join the Stormers and Western Province, going on to win the 2017 edition of the Currie Cup.
The (now) Springbok-capped front-row forward has earned himself 14 national caps to date, having made his debut against the All-Blacks back in October 2017.
Speaking of his move to Loftus, Wilco Louw said: “The Vodacom Bulls play an exciting brand of rugby and they have great coaches, I am excited for the new challenge ahead. I am looking forward to running out in the jersey once more and to having the opportunity in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship,”
“It is exciting to be going back to South Africa and to be reunited with the Vodacom Bulls, I had an unbelievable time at Harlequins with great memories and hopefully we can make some great memories in Pretoria too,”
“My rugby career started at the Bulls and I think it's every rugby player’s dream to win a few trophies in their career, so I am very keen to join the team and work with great players and coaches to make that dream our reality” concluded Louw.
Blue Bulls Rugby Union President, Willem Strauss added: “It is wonderful to have a top international tighthead joining us in the prime of his career! Wilco was part of our junior structures and his return will surely bolster our pack of forwards. We look forward to welcoming him home and know that he will help in contributing towards the continued growth of our franchise.”
Everyone at the Vodacom Bulls is eagerly awaiting Louw’s arrival to the Loftus family.

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Titans Cricket have extended their partnership with Hirsch’s Homestore, continuing an alliance that goes back over a decade.

The biggest home appliance and electronic dealer in South Africa has a longstanding reputation for quality and consistency, and the Titans are thrilled to be associated with such a proudly South African brand.

“Hirsch’s are known throughout this country for their consistency, and we are thrilled to continue this excellent relationship with them,” Dr Jacques Faul, the Titans CEO explained.

“It is an honour for us to still be associated with them, and we hope to keep this partnership going for a long time,” Faul added.

From Hirsch’s perspective, being aligned to South Africa’s most successful cricket team has also been hugely beneficial.

“It has been a pleasure to have a partnership with the Titans. They are an organisation which is forward-thinking. That is in their planning and in considering not only their players and spectators, but also their sponsors at all times,” founder Allan Hirsch enthused.

“The Titans always consider other people and I believe when you are in business, trading on the sales floor or in the sporting environment, if you give customer service, knowledge and enjoyment, it is a pleasure to work with a brand like this.”

Hirsch’s has been a loyal supporter of Titans cricket over the years, and the founder added that they had always felt part of every evolution of the franchise.

“They ensure we always feel like we are part of the team and when teams feel included, they are inclined to perform better. I feel longevity has come from everything they have given, and not necessarily what we give,” he added.

Faul echoed Hirsch’s sentiments, explaining that sponsors like these make success on the field possible.

“We say it often, but we really consider ourselves very fortunate to work with such wonderful brands and, more importantly, people. I consider Allan and his team as members of the Titans family,” Faul concluded.

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]