While the team will once again compete in Division 2, the good news is that they’ve retained the majority of their big players, while also welcoming a few fresh faces.

The Free State has bid farewell to Dian Forrester, who has joined the North West Dragons after two seasons, while newly capped Proteas batter Lesego Senokwane has opted to join the Titans following the Knights’ relegation.

Patrick Botha. Photo: Morgan Piek

A major positive is the sheer amount of experience the Knights will take into the new season.

There are four internationals in the squad: Dane Piedt, Jacques Snyman, Gihahn Cloete, and new signing Sisanda Magala – all of whom have previously represented South Africa. Big-hitting left-arm seamer Tiaan van Vuuren has also worn the green and gold at the U19 Cricket World Cup, and during the off-season, he represented Emerging South Africa against Emerging Bangladesh on the subcontinent.

Then there are the highly experienced stalwarts of Free State cricket, Malusi Siboto and Patrick Botha, who will both don the orange kit once again. There’s also plenty of promise in batter Isaac Dikgale and seamer Johan van Dyk – both players will be hoping for a breakout season in their respective roles.

Snyman, who is currently playing club cricket in England, told OFM Sport that the team took the relegation hard, especially after showing great promise in the One-Day Cup and pushing for a spot in the knockout rounds. The aggressive opener, who also has a knack for taking crucial wickets with his off-spin, said the Knights are determined to come back stronger.

“Yes, it wasn’t great to go down – but we all have the mindset of getting back up again,” said Snyman.

“We belong in the first division – we actually played some really good cricket last season, and unfortunately, that’s just how things go in this game.

Malusi Siboto. Photo: Morgan Piek

“It’s all about the comeback now. We’ve signed some players following Dian Forrester’s departure, and that’s just part of cricket. Dian was a big loss for us, but the new guys we’ve brought in are very, very good cricketers.

“We’re looking to work our way back to the first division. We’ve got a strong squad and we’re excited about it. The boys are putting in the hard yards back in Bloemfontein at the moment. So ja, we’re definitely hungry to bounce back.

“My season in the UK is going really well. I’ve learned a lot and I’m definitely ready to return and go again.”

Aaron Phangiso. Photo: Morgan Piek

Besides Magala, the Knights’ only other new signings are all-rounder Ruan Haasbroek and batter Cole Abrahams, both joining from the Northern Cape Heat. Haasbroek, a spinning all-rounder, is a direct replacement for Forrester.

Meanwhile, veteran spinner Aaron Phangiso has taken on a new role as coach and will be working with the Colts teams.

In addition, with Lotli Sesele having left the Knights to take up the role of head coach at SWD Garden Route Badgers, Ruan Dercksen will now serve as assistant coach to JP Triegaardt. 

Ruan Dercksen. Photo: Morgan Piek

According to Knights head coach JP Triegaardt, he is the only other qualified Level 3 and Strength & Conditioning (S&C) coach in South Africa, apart from the former Proteas coach Rob Walter.

Knights squad for the 2025/26 season: Cole Abrahams, Patrick Botha, Gihahn Cloete, Isaac Dikgale, Seth Fleddermaus, Ruan Haasbroek, Sithembile Langa, Sisanda Magala, Dane Piedt, Jacques Snyman, Malusi Siboto, Johan van Dyk, Tiaan van Vuuren

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg