The seamer, Johan van Dyk, is the latest confirmed signing for the ITEC Knights as they concluded their contracting for the 2024/25 domestic season.

The Knights will be making a welcome return to Division 1 next season after earning promotion back up to the top-flight.

Van Dyk re-joins the Free State from the Northern Cape Heat, and their coach, Mark Charlton, told OFM Sport that he deserves a crack in Division 1.

“We are very sad to lose Johan because has been fantastic contributor over the last few seasons for us,” said Charlton.

“However, we do understand at that an opportunity for Division 1 is massive, so we are very happy for him and he leaves with our blessing.

“He has left on very good terms with us, so maybe in the future we can get him back. Let's see how we play in the next season.”

Van Dyk is one of only three new players that will be joining the Knights for the 2024/25 season. The others are Aaron Phangiso from the Titans, as well as the North West Dragons batter, Lesego Senokwane.

Lesego Senokwane - North West Dragons

The Knights have instead opted to reward their players that earned promotion back up to Division 1 and a few contracts have been upgraded. Such as the allrounder, Dian Forrester, who was their Player of the Year has been given a full contract after he played on a High-Performance contract.

The Proteas spinner, Dane Piedt, has also been given a full contact of two years. The allrounder, Ruan Cronjé, who made his debut in the T20 Challenge semi-final against the Northern Cape Heat had again been given a High-Performance contract.

The only contracted player to leave the Knights is the former SA under-19 cricketer, Luke Beaufort, who also had a High-Performance contract.

Knights squad for 2024/25 - Clayton Bosch, Patrick Botha, Gihahn Cloete, Isaac Dikgale, Dian Forrester, Sithembile Langa, Nipho Mpungose, Aaron Phangiso, Dane Piedt, Matthew Pollard, Lesego Senokwane, Jacques Snyman, Aubrey Swanepoel, Garnett Tarr, Johan van Dyk, Tiaan van Vuuren

Morgan Piek OFM Sport