Northern Cape Heat announces 2026/27 Squad ahead of new domestic season

The Northern Cape Heat is delighted to announce its squad for the 2026/27 domestic season.

Assistant coach Tom Khoza believes the squad reflects the direction and vision of the provincial programme, bringing together an exciting blend of experienced professionals and emerging young talent capable of competing across all three formats of the game.

“We are incredibly excited about the squad we have assembled. It is a healthy blend of youth and experience but more importantly, it is a group that has already built an outstanding connection. Every player has fully bought into the vision for the season and is committed to bringing success to Northern Cape Cricket while continuing to build on the legacy and success that Griquas has established over many years.

“Our recruitment process was about more than simply signing talented cricketers. We wanted players who fit our culture, understand our vision and add balance, versatility and character to the squad. We believe we have achieved that.”

Contracted Squad

Taheer Isaacs

GJ Maree

Nonelela Yikha

Kyle Jacobs

Blake Simpson

Romano Terblanche

Steve Stolk

Charl Prinsloo

Tshepo Ntuli

Johannes Van Dyk

Odirile Modimokoane

Taheer Isaacs returns as a versatile wicketkeeper-batter after rejoining the programme last season.

GJ Maree arrives following a prolific Titans Premier League campaign as the competition's leading run scorer.

Kyle Jacobs adds valuable top-order experience from the Warriors and Badgers.

Blake Simpson, an exciting young talent from the Dolphins pathway, strengthens the squad across all formats.

Steve Stolk a former South Africa Under-19 representative and SA20 player brings explosive batting and all-round potential.

Johannes van Dyk returns to Northern Cape, adding pace, experience and leadership to the bowling attack.

Charl Prinsloo earns his place after consistently impressing through the provincial pathway.

The Northern Cape Heat also recognises the players within its High-Performance Programme who continue to push for provincial selection.

Tristan Janse van Rensburg

Liam Doherty

Orapeleng Motlhoaring

Ulrich Haasbroek

Ruan van Rooyen

Hernus Marais

Abel Mokwena

Moegamat Alexander

Rowan Bezuidenhout

These players have worked exceptionally hard since the off-season programme commenced on 8 June and will play an important role throughout the season by providing squad depth, competition for places and additional balance across all formats.

The squad will be captained by Tshepo Ntuli, whose experience, leadership and professionalism continue to set the standard within the group. He will be supported by vice-captain Romano Terblanche, a seasoned campaigner with nearly 150 first-class appearances and a wealth of domestic experience.

Senior batter Nonelela Yikha remains a key figure in the batting unit following another outstanding season with the bat. Left-arm spinner Odirile Modimokoane also returns after finishing among the top 10 wicket-takers in last season's competition, providing valuable experience and control to the bowling attack.

Eight Northern Cape Heat players are currently representing clubs overseas, gaining valuable experience before rejoining the squad on 10 August ahead of the domestic campaign.

The coaching staff is looking to build on the strong foundations established during the previous season.

The objective this season is to establish greater stability within the squad, allowing continuity to translate into improved performances across all competitions.

The Northern Cape Heat primary goals for the 2026/27 season are:

• Finish in the Top Three of the CSA Three-Day Competition.

• Finish in the Top Three of the CSA One-Day Competition.

• Compete strongly for the CSA T20 Knockout title.

Continue developing local talent while building a sustainable high-performance environment for Northern Cape Cricket.

Preparation for the new season began last month, with the squad currently completing Week Four of its pre-season programme.

The players will continue preparing through a comprehensive schedule of warm-up fixtures during August and early September, including:

• Three-Day matches

• 50-Over matches

• T20 fixtures

• T10 fixtures

The Northern Cape Heat would like to thank the people of the Northern Cape for their continued support.

The province’s supporters remain central to everything the programme is building and the players and management are committed to representing the badge with pride, professionalism and humility throughout the season.

“We are genuinely excited about what lies ahead. We believe this squad has the talent, character and work ethic to compete at the highest level. Most importantly, we want to continue building something that the people of the Northern Cape can identify with and

be proud of throughout the season.”