As the much-anticipated Division 2 T20 Knockout tournament commences this weekend, Northern Cape Heat are set to make their mark under new leadership, with former Limpopo Impalas captain Ruan Haasbroek at the helm.
In the opening round of fixtures, last year’s finalists, Heat, will host Eastern Storm in Kimberley, setting the stage for an exciting clash.
Defending champions Impalas will take on ACDC Express Tuskers in Polokwane, and Mpumalanga Rhinos face Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers at Uplands College in White River.
Haasbroek, who led Impalas to victory in last year’s competition, now takes on the challenge of guiding Heat to success, bringing with him invaluable experience and a fresh perspective.
“It’s a massive privilege. The Heat have a history of winning big trophies and a strong winning culture, which is exciting. To lead a team like that in such a special union is an honour. I’m looking forward to the challenge,” said Haasbroek.
“What I’ve brought from last season is definitely the ability to find ways to win games. We had a lot of close games, so just figuring out how to do whatever it takes to get over the line is something I hope to instil in this team.
“I’ve got no doubt that with the characters we have, we’ll make it happen. There are so many experienced guys in this team, which will make my job a lot easier. It’s more about managing players and learning from them.
“Playing alongside veterans like Ernest Kemm, Hardus Viljoen, and Jonathan Vandiar is something I’m really looking forward to. They’ve all contributed so much to this team, and it’s exciting to learn from them.”
BRAGGING RIGHTS
Haasbroek’s journey from Limpopo to Northern Cape adds an extra layer of intrigue to the tournament, as he aims to bring home another trophy—this time, for a new team.
“It’s going to be very exciting to go up against my old team. I’ve built great relationships and made close friends there, so there’ll be some bragging rights if we can get one over them. I know their ins and outs, which will be beneficial for us, but I expect a tough game.”
The Heat squad has been preparing rigorously for the tournament, and the 27-year-old is confident in his team’s readiness.
“Our preparation has been fantastic. Coach Deon Carolus has been instrumental, leading us both on and off the field. The ground staff have done an exceptional job with the facilities, and the team is mentally prepared and eager to go.
“We’ve had some great warm-up games that showed us where we stand and where we can improve. Now it’s time to let the bat and ball do the talking,” concluded Haasbroek
2024/25 T20 KNOCKOUT SQUADS:
Limpopo Impalas: Louren Steenkamp (Captain), Liam Peters, Sizwe Masondo, Heinrigh Pieterse, Ludwig Kaestner, Morne Venter, Dilivio Ridgard, Daniel van der Merwe, Eldred Hawken, Don Radebe, Jesse-James Albanie, Kgaudise Molefe, Atwell Mokgoloboto, Johan Mahne
Northern Cape Heat: Ruan Haasbroek (Captain), Ernest Kemm, Litheko Modiri (wk), Ronan Herrman (wk), Tian Koekemoer, Jonathan Vandiar, CP Klijnhans, Emanuel Motswiri, Romano Terblanche, Hardus Viljoen, Tshepo Ntuli, Basheer Walters, Benjamin Van Rensburg, Zakhele Qwabe, Gift Tshaka, Cole Abrahams.
Mpumalanga Rhinos: Muhammed Mayet (Captain), Jurie Snyman, Yassar Cook, Benjamin van Niekerk, Hermann Rolfes, Nonelela Yikha, Gareth Dukes, Jon Hinrichsen, Musa Twala, Karabo Mogotsi, Lindokuhle Pawuli, Shane Dadswell, Zakir Kathrada, Akhulile Mkatu, Themba Maupa.
Eastern Cape Iinyathi: Jason Niemand (Captain), Thobile Hlatuka, Jerome Bossr, Matthew Fourie, Nathan Roux, Sinovuyo Ntuntwana, Christopher Gleaves, Thozama Totana, Marco Marais, Russell Peterson, Mncedisi Malika, Jade de Klerk, Aphiwe Mnyanda, Jaques van der Merwe, Chad Classen, Ayabonga Tongo, Tladi Bokako, Olwakhe Goqoza.
Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers: Yaseen Valli (Captain), Kyle Jacobs, Tyrece Karelse, George van Heerden, Keenan Vieira (w/keeper), Kelly Smuts, Thomas Kaber, Liyabona Malife, Jarred Jardine, Heath Richards, Pheko Moletsane, Lifa Ntanzi, Hlompo Modimikoane.
ACDC Express Tuskers: Michael Erlank (Captain), Kagiso Rapulana, Cameron Shekleton, Sean Whitehead, Sean Gilson. Chad Laycock, Ntando Zuma, James Ritchie, Thabiso Ndela, Ziyaad Abrahams, Mbulelelo Budaza, Mondli Khumalo, Daelen Fynn, Kyle Nipper.
Eastern Storm: Grant Thomas (Captain), Kabelo Sekhukhune, Chris Britz, Danie Rossouw, Dewan Marais, Divan Posthumus, Andrew Rasemene, Shaylen Pillay, Tumelo Simelane, Martin Khumalo, Aaman Khan, Mark Pearse, Leander Lubbe, Aron Visser, Shaveer Khan, Kyle Landsberg, Nhlanhla Mashego, Mekyle Pillay.