Garden Route Badgers Unveil Men’s & Women’s Pro Teams
Albertus Kennedy, CEO of the Garden Route Badgers, addressed the capping ceremony in Oudtshoorn. Photo: Louise Mouton
03/10/2025
The Garden Route Badgers officially introduced their professional men’s and women’s teams on Monday, 29 September, during a launch event in Oudtshoorn.
The evening opened with a welcome by SWD Cricket Chief Executive Officer, Albertus Kennedy, followed by master of ceremonies and well-known radio personality, Paul Amas.
The launch drew the attendance of prominent cricket officials, stakeholders, sponsors, members of the SWD Cricket Board of Directors, and Oudtshoorn Mayor, Johan Allers, who expressed his support for the occasion.
During the event, both teams and their coaching staff were formally presented to the audience.
Special guest speaker, Piet Botha—former Garden Route Badgers head coach and current Proteas bowling coach—addressed attendees. Botha notably coached the Badgers to victory in the Cricket South Africa One Day Cup during the 2023/24 season.
The players that were capped are:
Garden Route Badgers men:
Yaseen Valli (captain), Ruan Terblanche, Kyle Jacobs, George van Heerden, Tyrece Karelse, Benni Hansen, Nathan Engelbrecht, Liam Alder, Zack Momberg, Banele Cele, Jade Richter, Ngobese Khumalo, Pheko Moletsane, Liyabona Malife and Sintu Majiza.
Team management:
Lotle Sesele (head coach), Warren Bell (assistant coach), Innis Erasmus (physiotherapist) and Tyler Easton (strength and conditioning coach).
Garden Route Badgers women:
Zintle Kula (captain), Izel Cilliers, Nicolien Janse van Rensburg, Khayakazi Mathe, Kiara Fisher, Evodia Yekhile, Gizelle Abrahams, Anica Swart, Lucian Swartz, Nadine Moodley, Mieke de Ridder, Yolandi Potgieter, Tiché Frans, Jezé Campher and Mi-Jean Botha.
Annerie Dercksen who is on duty with the Proteas at the Women’s World Cup was absent.
Team Management:
Wynand de Ridder (head coach), Yolandi van der Westhuizen (assistant coach), Zoya Raubenheimer (physiotherapist) and Gabi-Lee van der Westhuizen (strength and conditioning coach).
(Courtesy of Louise Mouton, Oudtshoorn Courant)