UJ Cricket alum to feature in ICC World Test Championship final
Former UJ Cricket player Ryan Rickelton is making a name for himself in the national team, while manager and coach Siyabonga Sibiya steps up as interim red-ball coach for the Pakistan test team.

The University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) cricket programme continues to make waves globally, with two of its distinguished alumni, Ryan Rickelton and Siyabonga Sibiya, achieving remarkable feats.
Rickelton, an alumnus of UJ Cricket, has been a standout performer for the Proteas test team. His stellar batting displays have been instrumental in securing South Africa’s place in the ICC World Test Championship final, to be held at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in England in June 2025.
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His masterful innings of 259 at Newlands, Cape Town, now ranks as the fifth-highest test score by a South African. The cricketer’s artistry at the crease, coupled with an unwavering focus, made this performance one for the history books.
Notably, Rickelton shares this achievement with fellow UJ Cricket Club alumnus and Proteas captain, Temba Bavuma, who also scored a century in the same match. Their shared success underscores the high calibre of talent cultivated within UJ’s cricket programme. UJ Cricket celebrates these extraordinary milestones and their enduring impact on South Africa’s cricketing journey.
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Meanwhile, Sibiya, UJ Cricket’s manager and coach, has made his mark on the international coaching stage. Recognised for his expertise and leadership, Sibiya was appointed interim red-ball coach for the Pakistan test team following a collaborative decision by Cricket South Africa (CSA) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). This prestigious appointment is a testament to the confidence UJ instills in its cricketing leaders.
Sibiya’s role was both challenging and significant preparing the Pakistan test team for their high-profile Boxing Day and New Year’s test series against South Africa. His success in this role reflects the robust training and leadership principles embedded in UJ Cricket’s ethos.
The UJ Cricket community takes immense pride in these achievements, which spotlight the university’s unwavering commitment to nurturing excellence in sports. As Rickelton and Sibiya continue to excel, they serve as shining examples of UJ’s ability to produce world-class athletes and professionals. The future is undoubtedly bright for UJ Cricket as it continues to inspire and develop the next generation of cricketing greats.
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