Titans march on to 1-Day Cup Qualifier in Gqeberha

The Momentum Multiply Titans have secured their place in the 2025/2026 1-Day Cup Qualifier, setting up a crucial do-or-die clash against the Dafabet Warriors at St George's Park in Gqeberha.

The Sky Blues finished third on the 1-Day Cup log and now turn their focus to Wednesday's fixture as they look to book their place in what promises to be a blockbuster final against the DP World Lions - who have already secured their spot - at DP World Wanderers on Sunday.

The Titans head into the qualifier on the back of a commanding victory over the Dragons at SuperSport Park - their home fortress in Centurion. The win extended their perfect home record in this campaign, having now won all four of their home fixtures and they will be

looking to carry that momentum into enemy territory in Gqeberha.

In what was a genuine must-win encounter on Sunday, Titans captain Rivaldo Moonsamy called correctly at the toss and elected to field first. The bowling attack applied consistent pressure, with CSA top-five wicket-taker Duan Jansen returning impressive figures of 3/32,

while the ever-reliable Neil Brand chipped in with a 2/18 to restrict the Dragons to a chaseable total.

When it came to the chase, the Titans batters stepped up when it mattered most. Moonsamy led from the front with a composed 60 off 56 balls, while Keegan Petersen contributed a measured 31 off 34 deliveries. It was Brand, however, who stole the show with a match-winning 47 off just 30 balls, earning him the Player of the Match award for the second time in the campaign.

"We are very proud of how we have performed at home this season, four wins from four is something we have earned through hard work and discipline. The guys are buzzing and the confidence in the camp is high. We know the Warriors will be a tough challenge away from home but we back our preparation and our game plan. We are going to Gqeberha to win and to keep this campaign alive,” said Moonsamy.

Head coach Rivash Gobind echoed the captain's sentiment, highlighting the hunger within the squad and the significance of what could lie ahead should the Titans navigate their way through the qualifier.

"This group of players has shown great character throughout this competition. Winning all our home games is a testament to the culture we have built, and now we get the opportunity to take that form on the road. The qualifier against the Warriors is a challenge we embrace. And should we get through, the prospect of facing the Lions in the final at Wanderers - our biggest rivals - is the kind of occasion that drives every Titan. We have 21 trophies in this franchise's proud history, and we are determined to make it 22. This squad

has what it takes."

The Titans welcome several key players back into the fold ahead of the qualifier. Jorich van Schalkwyk returns and joins the Sky Blues' travelling party to Port Elizabeth, while experienced campaigner Roelof van der Merwe also comes into the squad. Tsepo Ndwandwa similarly joins the team, boosting options as the Titans prepare for their biggest match of the campaign. Petersen, Keagan Lion-Cachet, Junior Dala, Jansen and Lizaad Williams also make the trip south.

Momentum Multiply Titans travelling squad to Gqeberha

Rivaldo Moonsamy (Captain), Lesego Senokwane, Neil Brand, Keegan Petersen, Keagan Lion-Cachet, Dayyaan Galiem, Andile Phehlukwayo, Duan Jansen, Schalk Engelbrecht, Junior Dala, Lizaad Williams, Roelof van der Merwe, Tsepo Ndwandwa, Jorich van Schalkwyk.

Management

Rivash Gobind (Head Coach), Albie Morkel (Assistant Coach), Pierre De Bruyn (Fielding Coach), Karen Smithies (Team Manager), Laden Gamiet (S&C Coach), Romano Ramoo (Data Analyst).

Meanwhile, Cricket South Africa (CSA) is pleased to announce a partnership with Algoa Holdings, exclusive distributors of Science in Sport (SiS) products in South Africa.

SiS products enhance nutritional, performance, and recovery support. The collaboration will enable CSA to extend consistent and reliable sports nutrition across the entire high-performance pathway, from the national teams to the Under-19s.

CSA joins over 150 professional football, cycling, and rugby clubs around the world, including GB Athletics, Saracens Rugby Club and Tottenham Hotspur, in preferring SiS as their sports nutrition partner in fostering elite performance.

The partnership aims to strengthen CSA’s commitment to providing world-class, scientifically grounded support to its cricketers, ensuring that teams are backed by safe and effective performance nutrition.

Director of National Teams and High Performance, Enoch Nkwe, said: “As we continue to elevate our high-performance systems, it is essential that we partner with organisations who prioritise athlete safety, scientific excellence and global best practice.

“Science in Sport’s full Informed Sport certification gives us complete confidence in the supplements our athletes consume, while their global reputation aligns strongly with CSA’s ambitions on the world stage.

“We are excited at the prospects of this partnership across our entire high-performance structure.”

Algoa Holdings Director, Keith Buhr, commented: “SiS delivers world-class sports nutrition to athletes across the globe, trusted by elite world champions and dedicated weekend warriors alike.

“In South Africa, SiS is proud to serve as the official sport nutrition supplier to CSA, supporting high-performance cricket through every level of the CSA structures - from the SA U19 teams right through to the Proteas. Together, we’re fuelling performance, recovery and success at every level of the game."