The North West Dragons will feature a mixture of youth and experience in their squad for the upcoming 2021/22 season in division 1 of the new Cricket South Africa domestic structure.
North West has chosen their full squad of 16 players for the upcoming season under long serving head coach, Monty Jacobs.
Nicky van den Bergh makes a return to his roots in North West having made his debut back in 2010. The 31-year-old wicketkeeper and middle order batsman is a fantastic signing for North West as the well-liked Van den Bergh will bring all his experience and talent to the side.
Another big signing is that of Proteas and former Dolphins all-rounder, Senuran Muthusamy. Muthusamy has been in top form in all three formats and will provide a spin bowling option as well as strengthening the batting lineup.
Another exciting addition is that of the 37-year-old, Heino Kuhn, who will bring loads of experience from his Kolpak stint in the County Circuit at Kent. Kuhn, a former Protea and Titans player, is an opener/wicketkeeper who has proven his worth and will most likely do so in North West colours as well.
Young and upcoming all-rounder, Delano Potgieter, as well as the opening batsman, Wesley Marshall, and middle order batsman, Shaylen Pillay, will be top players to look out for at Senwes Park.
Another former Lions player to join North West is the guileful all-rounder, Nono Pongolo as well as Eldred Hawken who impressed for the former franchise with some brilliant fast bowling.
The Dragons also contracted the services of former NW Dragons left-arm bowler and Potch Gimmie-alumni, Duan Jansen from the Free State as well as fast bowler, Lwandiswa Zuma and off-spinner, Ndumiso Mvelase from SWD. Jason Oakes is also a former KZN batsman/wicketkeeper who will look to impress for his new province.
Only 4 current Dragons players made the cut for the new season and were retained. They include batsman, Lesego Senokwane, spinner, Johannes Diseko, fast bowler, Chad Classen and batsman, Eben Botha. These are all top-quality players who will want to continue their good form for the province in the new domestic set-up.
Diseko has been past of the Dragons since 2011, whilst Senokwane, Classen and Botha are newer to the fold having represented the Dragons for the past two to three years.
North West Cricket CEO, HP Prinsloo, expressed his satisfaction on getting a balanced squad for the upcoming season. “There are some exciting youngsters and experienced players that we signed. We are also excited about the players we kept in the squad and we feel there is a good balance,” stated Prinsloo.
There is also a good chance that Proteas and former Dragons all-rounder, Dwaine Pretorius will return to North West. Proteas contracted players can choose which union they want to play for and to date Pretorius has not confirmed his decision officially.
North West will compete against Central Gauteng, Northerns, Eastern Province, Western Province, Free State, Natal, and Boland.
North West Dragons squad for CSA Division 1 2021/22 season: Nicky van den Bergh, Heino Kuhn, Lesego Senokwane, Senuran Muthusamy, Shaylen Pillay, Delano Potgieter, Wesley Marshall, Nono Pongolo, Ndumiso Mvelase, Duan Jansen, Chad Classen, Eldred Hawken, Johannes Diseko, Eben Botha, Lwandiswa Zuma and Jason Oakes.
