One of Potchefstroom’s favourite cricketing sons will lead the new-look North West Dragons team during Division 1 of the 2021/22 season. Nicky van den Bergh (31) is at the peak of his cricketing career and the wicketkeeper-batsman would like nothing more than to lead his new team to numerous victories and trophy success at Senwes Park.

This stylish cricketer has tasted trophy success with the former Lions franchise of late and he will want to use all his experience as the new captain of the North West Dragons.

With Van den Bergh currently staying in Potch, it was a no-brainer that he decided to lead the union that started it all back in 2010.

“It made sense to play for North West again as I am currently working as a lawyer at De Villiers Attorneys in Potch. My family is also in Potch and I am excited to grow my cricketing career further here and compete at the highest level. I believe that North West has what it takes to win trophies,” explained Van den Bergh.

“I enjoyed my time at the Lions and I think I’ve played more games at the Wanderers in Johannesburg than in Potch. I had some special times at the Lions,” added Van den Bergh, who made a name for himself with the bat, wicketkeeping skills and his leadership on the field.

“Playing with top Proteas players also elevated my game at the Lions as I knew that you had to be good enough to keep your spot. The competition for places really helped my game,” he said. N

North West has a talented squad of 16 players for the new season, including Proteas all-rounders Senuran Muthusamy, former Proteas opener, Heino Kuhn and former Lions regulars Delano Potgieter, Nono Pongolo and Eldred Hawken, among others.

Van den Bergh alludes to the fact that the squad’s setup and the mix of youth and experience excite him for the season ahead.

“The great thing is that many players wanted to come to Potch to play for North West. The opportunities here are great for players to stake a claim for Proteas selection. It also presents a great chance for local NW youngsters to learn from the top franchise players to build their own game.”

Van den Bergh, an NWU and Potch Gimmies-alumnus, agrees that the new Division 1 status adds to cricket’s marketability in North West and, especially, the NWU as an institution for aspiring cricketers.

“Youngsters can now study and play cricket at the NWU, keeping one eye on the chance to land a pro contract at North West, which will open several doors.”

Doors truly opened for Van den Bergh when he was selected for the Lions at franchise level and he would like nothing more than for a consistent pipeline of talent to emerge in NW.

“Continuity at North West will be key to ensuring that the team is competitive, year in and year out. The goal has never been to just wind down my career where it started in Potch. The goal is to win trophies and create a culture of excellence at the Dragons.”

Nicky van den Bergh stats: First class record: 97 matches 158 innings 4989 runs Highest score: 217* Average 36.68 100’s: 11  50’s: 26 261 catches 12 stumpings