Wiaan Mulder was arguably the major cricketing news story of 2025. The unassuming allrounder found himself at the eye of a media storm when, as stand-in captain of the Proteas Test side opted to declare with himself on 367 not out – just 33 runs short of legendary West Indian Brian Lara’s all time Test record of 400.
While many may have disagreed with Mulder’s decision, it summed up the Joburg Super Kings new recruit to perfection. The 27-year-old has always been a “team man” first and foremost, and has never played the game for any personal recognition.
It is this spirit that he brings to his new team and hopes can develop within the dressing room to help the Super Kings get to their first-ever Betway SA20 final in 2026.
“I’m quite confident going into the SA20. And I think as a team, it’s quite clear what we’re trying to achieve and how we’re trying to get closer to win those small moments,” Mulder said.
“Because that’s what these tournaments are about, is winning those small moments and winning those games that you think, yes, we’re just behind there, but we find a way to win.”
Over the past three seasons JSK have battled to fill the seam bowling allrounder slot, which prompted coach Stephen Fleming to target Mulder as the ideal candidate to fill the void at the auction.
“I think if you looked at the auction, you kind of understood what they’re looking for in someone like me and the role that they are looking for me to play, I guess, which is predominantly batting in the middle, I’d say, and bowling in the middle,” he said.
“Maybe one over at the back end, maybe one over in the Powerplay, something like that. And just having an impact wherever I’m involved.”
Mulder’s homecoming to the Wanderers, where he had his first taste of professional cricket whilst still a schoolboy at St Stithians all those years ago, also tugs at the heart strings, which further drives his determination to succeed.
“Being back at home is obviously really special. It’s my favourite stadium in South Africa, probably in the world to be honest. So it’s just good to be at home in some place that’s not foreign, especially in a big tournament,” he said.
“Yeah, extremely weird to be part of DSG when I’m playing in a local tournament, I guess, where the Wanderers has always been home, the Lions has always been my home.
“The people here have been so welcoming. I’m really glad I’m home. Well, the Bullring, I think, speaks for itself really.
“I think it’s got so much cricketing history. And the best ground in South Africa, in my opinion.
“It feels like the fans are on top of you when you’re playing. The boundary feels really close when you’re bowling and really close when you’re batting.
“So there’s always high scoring games and it’s just so much for the fans to watch. And as a player, it’s just the energy is insane.”
The Bullring will certainly be buzzing with excitement in the first-ever New Year’s Day clash on Thursday when Mulder makes his home debut for the Super Kings against Durban’s Super Giants.
FireBrang
Still on the subject of cricket superstitions, the player with the most rituals performed during a match is arguably Neil McKenzie of South Africa. Before a game, for example, he would attach his cricket bat to the ceiling with tape. When it’s time for him to bat, he would check all the changing room lights to make sure they were shut off and that the toilet seats were down.
Manly Reno
Sport Trivia: Which was the first Olympic Games in which Ghana competed as an independent nation? Answer: Rome 1960 – Having competed in Helsinki in 1952 as Gold Coast, Ghana did not send a team to the 1956 Games in Melbourne. By the time the 1960 Games came around, the country had achieved full independence from Great Britain, (in 1957) and was officially known as Ghana.