Johannesburg – 15 May 2025
The Veterans Cricket Association of South Africa Inter Provincial
Tournament will be held in Gqeberha from 18 – 24 May 2025.
The seven day tournament is inclusive of three 45-over matches before the Group stages and finals; as well as three T20 matches before the finals. The teams that will take to the field include Lions Cricket, Western Province, Border, Titans, Eastern Storm, Eastern Province and Dolphins.
The Central Gauteng Lions Veterans Steering Committee has announced a 16 man squad to participate in the tournament beginning on Sunday.
Managed by Zaheer Hoosen and Coached by Yusuf Bulbulia, the squad is as follows:
Yasser Ditta (Captain – Lenasia/ Marks Park veterans); Brandon Buckley (Vice-Captain – Old Edwardians); Ahmed Bharoochi (Marks Park); Alan Botha (Old Edwardians); Zander de Bruyn (Old Edwardians); Shaan Hussain (Marks Park); Sonnyboy Letshela (Marks Park);
Khaalid Moothosamy (Delfos); Arnold Ndindwa (Old Edwardians); Thobani Ngqiyaza (Sandton Tigers/ Wanderers veterans); Jared Noah (Old Edwardians); Zaid Patel (Marks Park); Eddie Taute (Old Edwardians); EJ Van Niekerk (Rising Sunsets); Aziz Variawa (Delfos); Christoff Visser (Pirates/ Rising Sunsets veterans).
Cricket Service Manager for Lions Cricket, Reuben Mandlazi says;
“We are delighted with the team that has been selected to represent us at the tournament in Gqeberha. It is a proud moment for all involved, and we look forward to seeing the team take on the rest of the country and hopefully adding to our ever-swelling trophy cabinet.”
Frank Auger, Chair CGL Veterans Steering Committee, takes this opportunity to thank Lions Cricket for the Unions on-going support of veterans’ cricket in the Province;
“The Union’s support of the local veterans league as well as their participation at the up-coming Over-40s Interprovincial Tournament is unprecedented. Driving the sport forward through their genuine commitment to veteran’s cricket as part of the Provinces pipeline is deeply appreciated. In addition, Lions Cricket provides oversight in appointing its veterans organising committee and selection panels for age group squads (Over-40s, 50s and 60s), ensuring adherence to approved policies and procedures. We are making tremendous strides, as a Pride, and we are most grateful and look forward to all that lies ahead.”
Proudly captaining the side is Yasser Ditta who not only represented Lions Cricket in the 2023 IPT’s but then went on to represent the victorious Proteas at the 2024 IMC Over-40s World Cup in Cape Town;
“I am truly honoured to have been tasked to captain. While welcoming some new blood this year, the team is not short on experience, and we are looking to leverage that experience in what will be foreign conditions to us down south in Gqeberha. The team make-up is also diverse in terms of our skill sets which should hold us in good stead across all conditions.”
Players to watch out for on the batting front include:
– Brandon Buckley (World Cup winning top order batter);
– Ahmed Bharoochi (leading run scorer over the last three years in the CGL Veterans League);
– Khaalid Moothosamy (a calm yet explosive match winner);
– Zander de Bruyn (a highly decorated former Lions Cricket and Protea player).
On the bowling front keep your eyes on:
– Christoff Visser for his superb accuracy and skill;
– Aziz Variawa (leading wicket taker over the last three years in the CGL Veterans League);
– Yasser Ditta (leading wicket taker in the current CGL Veterans and Premier League 50 over
competition).
Ditta goes on to say that one of the teams key strengths is the quality all-rounders at their disposal;
“Our side is further powered by the likes of Shaan Hussain and EJ van Niekerk – both of whom have the ability to nip wickets and clear the boundary ropes. Having fallen short in 2023, the players and leadership have an eye on silverware this time around, with the keys to success being our ability to adapt to the conditions as well as to play with the fighting spirit, grit and passion that has epitomised Lions Cricket at all levels. I speak on behalf of the team when I say that we look forward to representing Lions Cricket with tremendous pride.”
Lions Cricket Fixtures for the 2025 Over 40 Interprovincial tournament:
18 May : 45-Overs : Lions Cricket v Titans – Gelvandale CC
19 May: T20: Lions Cricket v Titans – Despatch Oval
19 May: T20: Lions v Eastern Province – Daniel Pienaar
20 May: 45 Overs: Lions v Border – NMMU Oval
21 May: T20: Lions v Border – Gelvandale CC
22 May: 45 Overs: Lions v Western Province – Gelvandale CC
23 May (Day 6): 45 Overs Group matches and Winner of Group finals.
24 May (Day 7): T20 Group matches and Winner of Group finals.