CSA Announce The Return Of Hubs Challenge

JOHANNESBURG: The Cricket South Africa (CSA) Hubs Challenge is set to make a return this month, showcasing young talent emerging from the country’s cricket hubs.

The first leg of the tournament, to be hosted at Willowmoore Park in Benoni between 22-25 March 2024, will feature eight teams including; Easterns, Lions, North West, Dolphins, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Titans, and KZN Inland.

The competition will intensify with the second leg in George from 28-31 March 2024, featuring Boland, Border, Eastern Province, Western Province, South West Districts, KEI, Free State, and Northern Cape.

The 2024 CSA Hubs Challenge will see teams battle it out in 50-over matches, providing an ideal platform for emerging cricketers to showcase their abilities.

CSA Chief Executive Officer, ,Pholetsi Moseki, said;

“The Hubs Challenge exemplifies CSA’s commitment to fostering talent and providing aspiring cricketers with invaluable opportunities to shine on the national stage.

“Through initiatives like these, CSA aims to create a cricketing ecosystem that nurtures and sustains the passion for the game among its players.

“Moreover, the tournament will meticulously track the progress of each participating hub, facilitating talent identification and performance evaluation. CSA Hubs play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between grassroots cricket and high-performance structures, ensuring a seamless transition for aspiring cricketers,” said Moseki.

SQUADS FOR BENONI (22-25 MARCH 2024)

Easterns – Nkosi Banele, Thipe Mpho, Mlisa Ofentse, Mabanga Sabelo, Khan Riyaad, Sibisi Nkosibonile, Nxumalo Bheki, Mngomezulu Mpho, Maila Kabelo, Mahlangu Owami, Sikhosana Sibusiso, Beya Luyanda

Lions – Bahatane Ntokozo, Seroke Omphemetse, Mothabi Sentebale, Hlongwane Mpho, Bhadat           Hamza, Nelani   Thami, Matamane Tshehla, Mafareka Khauhelo, Magatya  Bulumko, Sibeko Lesedi, Leboya Tebogo, Nwafor Nathan

North West – Bulbulia Issa, Memani Lethabo, Scott Olebogeng, Molebatsi Paballo, Khan Antonio, Molefi Katlego, Motingoe Tshiamo, Matjoi Thuto, Kalaote Kgothatso, Rangwaga    Omphile, Tshotetsi Galebowe, Marumagae Prince.

Dolphins – Qwabe Sibani, Mthembu Asanda, Hanif Naseem, Ramawtar Joshua, Ntuli Olwethu, Majozi Siyamthanda, Ndlovu Nqubeko, Mnguni Sanele, Shozi Akhule, Chunder   Mithel, Gopalan              Justin, Dlodlo  Lusanda.

Mpumalanga – Mabandla Velly, Mashele Bonga, Khumalo Vezi, Mkhonto Forlan, Tibane   Tebogo, Skhosana Alfredo, Nsibande Andile, Mosehlane Gift, Mnisi Hope, Mgwevu           Bulelani, Mbiza Joy, Mhaule Mnelisi

Limpopo – Shibodze Nhlamulo, Kekae Lesedi, Hlathi Winston Junior, Mathebula Almighty Benjie, Baloyi Junior OM, Chauke Rivhoningo Ayanda, Molapo Aki Tebogo, Rikhotso Rito Bradley, Mashaba Mandla, Sehata Victor, Sekuba Mahlodi, Shiviri Allen.

Titans – Kunene Lethabo, Modiba Teko, Semenya Keamogetswe, Patel Rehaan, Mogashoa Kholofelo, Chauke Ditebogo, Mabena Lesedi, Hlahla Amogelang, Phahlamohlaka Lethabo, Laka Tshepang, Maluleke Gift, Borabat Mohamed.

KZN Inland – Ngcobo Siphosethu, Ndlovu Thubelihle, Mabasa Lwazi, Ngcobo Aphile, Gumede Simelokuhle, Nqayi Akhona, Nzama Aphile, Madlala Kwanele, Mthembu Lindani, Gasa Esihle, Zondi Luyanda, David Marcus.

SQUADS FOR GEORGE (28-31 MARCH 2024)

Boland – Jacobs Jevohndre, Hoffman Matthew, Truter Jaron, Jacobs Shane, Julies Ryall, Adams Taywin, Abrahams Zayd, La Douce Tylor, Parsley              Stanley, Cupido Josh, Latief Wageed, Latief Mueez.

Border – Oliphant Amyoli, Shiyani Iviwe, Mngini  Awonke, Bontsi Akhanya, Gwane Gwane, Ntlanti Ntlanti, Masiko   Mahle, Hartnick Canton, Bici Thulani, Simama Lilitha, Majiya Silungile, Ambesa Linda, Siyali Siyolise.

Eastern Province – Damons Jaydin, Kramer Connor, Petersen Daveric , October Luwaan, Joshua              Smith, De Maar Perez, Mashiqa Luyanda, Rhonyile Zubenathi, Tshisa Indiphile, Mnyanda Thando, Sobili Aphelele, Wellem Akhanani.

Garden Route Badgers – Kitshini Enathi, Kitshini  Igcobe, Bawuli   Liviwe, Botha    Kurt, Plaatjies    Ducayne Coericius Keano, Karelse Josh, Plaatjies              Sherwin, Williams Lastio, Goliath Jaywin, Witbooi Keano, Diamond Joshua.

Western Province – Damon Carl, Makeleni Sive, Erasmus Sloane, Florence Matthew, Inglis Zakariyah, Marillier  Jamie , Mathabeni Olwethu, Bula Inam , Julies   Mondre, Mguye Nande, Ntamo Ayanda,Moosa Lee

KEI – Madikazi Asemahle, Madikazi Asithandile, Amila Joko, Nongalo Sinawo, Sele Sinakekele, Nkomonye Lukhanyo, Mnqabashe          Melusi, Rhadebe Lizalise, Nika Qiqa, Bunye Mdumba, Liso Mfisi, Mtengwane Iviwe, Nhonwana Siphumeze.

Free State – Letube Thabo, Debese Nhlanhla, Ntlhokoe  Tshipinare, Rasekoai Bokang, Tsubane Tseko, Maputle Tumelo, Mnyameni Luthando, Molale  Onalenna, Direko Junior, Thetha Mongezi, Ntyibi Sandile, Nondwangu Khanyisile.

Northern Cape – Mabuya Rethabile, Jubeni Oratile, Mgobo Tebo, Matlhoko Ikanyeng, Lephoi Vusi, Lekoate Tumisho, Makatong Phumzile, Gabannelwe Tlhalefo, Diphaye Boitshelo, Thulare       Palema, Jonas Omphile, Crisp Kgosi.

Source: cricket.co.za

Fanie de Villiers: Fanie de Villiers is a former cricketer who earned 83 ODI caps and 18 Test caps for South Africa. Working as a commentator after his retirement, he played an important role in exposing the 2018 Australian ball-tampering scandal; he was the first person to spot the Australians’ underhanded tactics and asked the camera operators to keep tabs on the Australians.