Johannesburg, 22 October 2026
Not much is to be gained by our DP World Lions men’s team in terms of log position or points carried through to the Super 8, however head coach Russell Domingo is eager for the team to ensure they carry confidence and momentum into the next stage of the Pro20 Cup from their last group stage game, which is against the Limpopo Impalas at Wits University on Saturday afternoon.
Adhering to the Gold Standard is always kept in mind by our DP World Lions and even though they have won three matches in a row, the last with a bonus point last weekend against the Northern Cape Heat, Domingo says there are still areas of their game that need improvement.
“We have been playing well, but we will still be trying to improve certain things and we want to gain confidence through our performance. The Super 8 is going to be very tightly contested, so it’s been good to see Nqaba Peter being really good for us and Codi Yusuf getting a bit of confidence with the ball. JJ Basson also came back well with the ball.
“Rassie van der Dussen and Zubayr Hamza have been playing really well with the bat and hopefully they can continue that form. Mitchell van Buuren has been looking in form and Connor Esterhuizen will also find a way to score some big runs I’m sure,” Domingo said.
Unfortunately, our DP World Lions have been rocked by a fractured rib suffered by key all-rounder Delano Potgieter.
“It’s a mystery how it happened, but he’s going to be out for about 10 weeks because there are concerns it could puncture his lung if he does not rest. Wandile Makwetu also has a bit of an achilles issue,” Domingo confirmed.
Despite the injuries, the DP World Lions will be well-pleased with some of their players who are firing at close to all cylinders.
Van der Dussen is third in the batting averages (84.00) and is striking at 147, while Hamza has made three half-centuries in four innings and is scoring at 150 runs per hundred balls. Esterhuizen has made 89 runs in four innings but is striking at 189, which indicates there is nothing wrong with his form and he is bound to score big soon. Captain Van Buuren made a very accomplished 66 against North-West and is also surely due another pleasing contribution.
Fast bowler Yusuf is tied eighth on the wicket-takers’ list and was superb in the previous game, while leg-spinner Peter has six wickets in five games and has made key breakthroughs for the DP World Lions. Our other spinner, the tried-and-tested Bjorn Fortuin, is conceding just 5.25 runs-per-over, which is third best out of all those who have played twice.
Domingo is also happy to be playing at the Walter Milton Oval at Wits, believing it will suit the DP World Lions’ style of play.
“Wits has been a high-scoring venue this season by all accounts, it has a quick outfield and normally a good pitch. It’s not a bad chasing venue either,” Domingo said.