Character on and off the field and a desire to play for South Africa were two of the main aspects that North West Dragons head coach, Craig Alexander, looked at when compiling his squad for the upcoming 2023/24 division 1 season.

The new look North West Dragons squad features 10 new players with 8 players being retained from the previous season in what is a balanced group of exciting players.

The new signings include, Wihan Lubbe, Migael Pretorius, Ruan de Swardt (all-rounders), Raynard van Tonder, Lesiba Ngoepe, Meeka-eel Prince, Rubin Hermann (batsmen) and Gideon Peters, Bamanye Xenxe, Hlompho Modimokoane (bowlers).

Proteas all-rounder, Senuran Muthusamy as well as Nicky van den Bergh, Lesego Senokwane, Duan Jansen, Grant Mokoena, Kerwin Mungroo, Caleb Seleka and Dwaine Pretorius will stay at the Dragons.

This upcoming season the Dragons begin on a clean slate with a mentality of thriving on the field, not just surviving. On paper, the brand-new signings will most definitely give the Dragons the boost they need to compete in all three formats this coming season.

“When I picked the squad, I focused on players who can play in all three formats and who are committed to giving everything for the team. The players all have good stats and most importantly have the correct character,” stated Alexander.

Acting NW Cricket CEO, Ismail Minty, also highlighted that this squad features numerous home-grown players and emphasis that this will help to shape the identity of the Dragons.

“We want to compete in all three formats and get the local fans behind the team. That why the home-based players are important. If the Dragons perform then the Proteas selectors will naturally keep an eye out,” stated Minty.

*New signings in bold

• Wihan Lubbe returns home to the North West Dragons, after spending a couple of successful seasons at the Warriors. The former NWU Varsity Cricket captain is definitely a key signing for the Dragons, with his aggressive top-order batting, excellent fielding and accurate right-arm off-spin giving the Dragons numerous options.
• Another top signing is Migael Pretorius, a precocious talent with bat and ball, as well as Ruan de Swardt, who is another all-rounder that strengthens the middle-order. De Swardt, also known as “Patches” has been in top form for the Dolphins and his gritty character will be an asset to the Dragons.
• Former Knights batsman, Raynard van Tonder, is now also a North West Dragons player. The right-handed batsman has a chance to develop his talent in a new environment and this season might just be a coming-of-age experience for Van Tonder, who has heaps of runs in his pocket.
• The same can be said of Lesiba Ngoepe, who has showcased his ability to hit a long ball and win games for his side in the shorter formats. He joins the Dragons from the Warriors and a new team might just be what Ngoepe needs to find his best form.
• Two youngsters who will want to show their worth is opening batsman, Meeka-eel Prince as well as pace bowler, Gideon Peters. Prince is a SA u.19 player who was the leading run-scorer in division 2 in the T20 competition. Peters, on the other hand has raw pace and can consistently crank it up in 140kph region. He will undoubtably grow under the tutelage of Alexander, who himself was a fast bowler in his playing days.
• A key signing in the bowling department is that of Bamanye Xenxe. Xenxe was the star for the Boland Rocks in last season’s T20 tournament in Potch and turned heads with his match winning bowling performances under pressure. Xenxe is a wicket-taker that the Dragons need and his mental toughness is something that will be a key asset in all formats.
• Right arm pacer, Hlompho Modimokoane, returns home to the Dragons with the Rustenburg native having spent time at the Dolphins. His consistency with the ball and wicket-taking ability will also add to the fast-bowling stocks at the Dragons.
• Rubin Hermann, a dangerous middle order batsman and wicket-keeper, is another screwed signing. Hermann spent the last couple of seasons in division 2 in Mpumalanga and a step up the division 1 might just elevate his game even further.

“We want to play a positive brand of cricket that is in line with the Proteas. I am excited for the season ahead and I believe this squad will make the North West Dragons thrive,” added Alexander.