A new dawn rises at the Dragons Den and Titans announce their squad ahead of the 2026/27 season

The North West Dragons are preparing for an exciting new chapter as anticipation builds ahead of the 2026/27 domestic cricket season. With a dynamic squad assembled and a renewed sense of purpose throughout the organisation, the Dragons are ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

The upcoming season promises to be one of ambition, growth and opportunity, with a squad that boasts an impressive blend of proven experience and emerging talent. The balance between seasoned campaigners and hungry young cricketers reflects the Dragons' commitment to sustained success while continuing to develop future stars of South African cricket.

Adding further excitement is the growing number of Dragons players who continue to feature prominently on the national radar. Several squad members have consistently delivered performances that have placed them firmly in contention for higher honours, highlighting the strength of the North West cricket pathway and the organisation's commitment to player development.

Beyond the playing group, the Dragons enter the season supported by a highly accomplished management team. Over the past year, members of the coaching and support staff have been recognised through involvement with national structures, including National Academy programmes, High Performance initiatives, SA 'A' duties and SA Emerging squads. Their continued contribution at national level serves as a testament to the quality and professionalism being cultivated within the Dragons environment.

North West Cricket Chief Executive Officer, Tommy Phiri, believes the organisation is entering an exciting period of growth and competitiveness.

"There is a growing belief within the organisation that this team has the quality, character and determination to compete strongly in Division 1. We have assembled a squad that represents the values of the Dragons, and we are excited about what lies ahead," said Phiri.

Head coach Craig Alexander echoed those sentiments, highlighting the depth and competitiveness within the squad.

"Creating healthy and honest competition within the squad is vital and we believe this group has the depth and quality to push each other to higher standards. The environment we are building is one where players challenge each other every day to become better cricketers and better professionals."

For Dragons supporters, the new season offers more than just cricket. Fans can look forward to an exciting match-day atmosphere, engaging entertainment and a team determined to represent the province with passion and pride.

"Our supporters can expect to see the exciting Dragons fire that has become synonymous with our brand - a team that will play with passion, resilience, and pride. We want our fans to feel connected to every moment of the journey," added Phiri.

Alexander also believes the squad is capable of achieving significant success.

"We are genuinely excited about what lies ahead and believe this squad has what it takes to add silverware to the cabinet. The players have shown tremendous commitment and we look forward to seeing them showcase their abilities throughout the season."

As the countdown to the 2026/27 campaign continues, the message from the Dragons Den is clear: a new dawn is rising, and the Dragons are ready to unleash their fire.

North West Dragons Men's Squad – 2026/27 Season

Wihan Lubbe, Raynard van Tonder, Daryn Dupavillon (New Signing), Rubin Hermann (Player of National Interest), Dian Forrester (Player of National Interest), Ruan de Swardt, Ludwich Schuld (Rookie), Callie Fryer (High Performance), Lesiba Ngoepe, Onke Nyaku, Alfred Mothoa, Caleb Seleka, Mthi Nabe (New Signing), Lutendo Tsanwani (High Performance), Diego Rosier, Jade de Klerk, Meeka-eel Prince, Juan James (New Signing), Paul James (High Performance), Nealen van Heerden (High Performance).

The Momentum Multiply Titans have officially confirmed their squad for the upcoming 2026/2027 domestic cricket season as the Sky Blues prepare to build on another successful campaign.

Following the conclusion of the 2025/2026 season, the Titans Men’s team added their 22nd trophy to an already decorated cabinet after being crowned the 2025/2026 1-Day Cup Champions. The announcement also comes during a historic year for the Momentum

Multiply Titans, with SuperSport Park, the proud home ground of the Sky Blues, celebrating its 40-year milestone in 2026.

As preparations continue for the new season, the Titans have released 11 players ahead of the new season. The franchise acknowledges the significant contributions each player has made while at Centurion and wishes them every success in their next chapter.

Among those departing is Steve Stolk, Merrick Brett, Wisani Mushwani, Letsholo Selemela and Lesego Kokohlabana - all high performers for the Sky Blues, will not be returning. Gerald Coetzee, the Proteas fast bowler, will also be leaving the franchise. Lesego Senokwane and Junaid Dawood departs, as does Sibonelo Makhanya, who spent six years proudly wearing the Sky Blues colours.

Neil Brand, a dependable top-order batsman who joined the Titans in 2019, brings to a close a chapter of consistent service with the franchise. After several years as a cornerstone of the batting line-up, Brand will head to Boland for the coming season. He will be joined in leaving the Titans by Lizaad Williams, who had signed with the Sky Blues during the 2020/2021 season.

“Saying farewell to players is always one of the more difficult parts of this role. These players have given everything for the Sky Blues and the Titans brand. We are proud of what we achieved together and we wish each one of them the very best as they write new

chapters in their careers. The contributions of players like Neil Brand, who has been a steadying influence at the top of the order for several years, will be remembered fondly here in Centurion and I wish them the very best,” said Rivash Gobind, head coach of the

Titans.

Dr Jacques Faul, also reflected on the departing players and welcomed the new additions to the squad.

“On behalf of the entire Titans organisation, I want to sincerely thank each player who is departing the Sky Blues. They have contributed enormously to this franchise, both on and off the field - and their professionalism and dedication have helped shape the winning culture we are proud of here in Centurion. Releasing players is never an easy decision but it is part of the natural evolution of any great sporting franchise. We wish every one of them the very best in the next chapter of their careers and they will always remain part of the Titans family.”

Ethan Bosch, the exciting fast bowler from the Hollywoodbets Dolphins, makes his way to Centurion to join his brother Corbin Bosch in the Sky Blues camp, a fitting reunion, made all the more special by the fact that their father - Tertius Bosch - also represented the Titans in his playing days. Alongside Ethan comes Tshepang Dithole, his Dolphins teammate, who also makes the move to the Titans.

From the DP World Lions, the Titans welcome Evan Jones and Beyers Swanepoel, both of whom will add further depth and quality to the squad.Aphiwe Mnyanda, a left-arm seamer who honed his craft with the Warriors, adds valuable variety to the Sky Blues’ bowling attack.

In a significant acquisition, the Titans also welcome Sinethemba Qeshile, who was recently named among Cricket South Africa’s Players of National Interest (PONIs).

“We are really excited about the group that is coming in. Ethan Bosch is a high-quality fast bowler and it’s a wonderful story that he gets to join his brother Corbin here at the Titans - a franchise their father also served with distinction. We are building something special and I believe our supporters are in for a very entertaining season,” saidGobind.

Faul added: “The calibre of players we have been able to attract to the Momentum Multiply Titans this season is a true reflection of the standing of this franchise in South African cricket. Signing players of the quality of Sinethemba Qeshile, Ethan Bosch, Evan Jones and the others joining us is a statement of intent. We are not just building for next season, we are building a squad capable of sustained success. The Titans have always been a home for talented cricketers who want to compete at the highest level and challenge for trophies, and this group will be no different. We are incredibly excited about the journey ahead.”

A strong core of experienced Sky Blues campaigners will continue to lead the charge at Centurion. Among those retained are:

• Rivaldo Moonsamy

• Lhuan-dre Pretorius

• Keegan Petersen

• Donovan Ferreira

• Junior Dala

• Dayyaan Galiem

• Duan Jansen

• Janco Smit

• Tsepo Ndwandwa

• Roelof van der Merwe

• Keagan Lion-Cachet

• Schalk Engelbrecht

• Lethabo Phahlamohlaka

These players form the backbone of continuity as the franchise transitions into the new season with confidence.

The Titans acknowledge Cricket South Africa’s newly contracted players aligned to the franchise. Joining the existing CSA contracted contingent of Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen are Corbin Bosch and Dewald Brevis, while Simon Harmer continues under a Hybrid contract arrangement.

The Sky Blues are proud to note that two of their players have been named among Cricket South Africa’s Players of National Interest (PONIs) for 2026/2027: Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Sinethemba Qeshile.

Momentum Multiply Titans Contracted Squad 2026/2027

Rivaldo Moonsamy, Keegan Petersen, Tshepang Dithole, Evan Jones, Andile Phehlukwayo, Sinethemba Qeshile, Duan Jansen, Dayyaan Galiem, Keagan Lion-Cachet, Tsepo Ndwandwa, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Junior Dala, Donovan Ferreira, Ethan Bosch, Leus du Plooy, Aphiwe Mnyanda, Beyers Swanepoel.

CSA 2026/2027 Contracted Players: Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer (Hybrid).

CSA Players Of National Interest (PONIs) 2026/2027: Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile.

2026/2027 High Performance: Schalk Engelbrecht, Jorich van Schalkwyk, Lethabo Phahlamohlaka, Jarren Bacher, Kagiso Ngwenya, Roelof van der Merwe, Divan de Villiers, Esosa Aihevba, Janco Smit.

Schalk Engelbrecht, Jorich van Schalkwyk, Lethabo Phahlamohlaka and Janco Smit continue in the High-Performance programme, providing vital developmental depth for the franchise’s pipeline.