Cricket
SA A bolstered with Proteas for NZ A incoming tour─── MORGAN PIEK 09:51 Tue, 05 Aug 2025
South Africa A have named several Proteas players in their squad for the upcoming tour by New Zealand A, set to take place in Benoni and Potchefstroom from the end of August.
The second-string South African side will take on their New Zealand counterparts in three unofficial One-Day Internationals, all scheduled to be played in Benoni. The tour will also include two unofficial Tests, which will take place in Potchefstroom and Benoni.
Young Proteas seamers Gerald Coetzee and teenager Kwena Maphaka have been included in the SA A squad after missing out on selection for South Africa’s tour to Australia. Both featured in the recent T20 International Tri-Series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand in Harare, although neither had a particularly memorable series.
North West Dragons batter Rubin Hermann, who made his Proteas debut in Harare, has also been named in the squad. The series is set to be especially meaningful for him, as his brother, Jordan Hermann of the Warriors, is also included.
Kwena Maphaka. Photo: Cricinfo
Dolphins batter Marques Ackermann will once again captain the team after impressing during the recent tour to the West Indies.
Former Knights batter Lesego Senokwane, who recently made his Proteas Test debut against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, has been selected for the two four-day matches.
SA A Head Coach Wandile Gwavu said continuity was a key factor in the squad selection, as he aims to build on the success of the Caribbean tour.
“With the team having done well on our recent tour of the West Indies, it was important for us to show faith in the majority of that same squad for the upcoming home series against New Zealand,” said Gwavu.
Jordan, Marius (dad) and Rubin Hermann during the 2025 SA Qualifier between the Paarl Royals and Sunrisers Eastern Cape at SuperSport Park. Photo: SA20
“I believe continuity builds trust and confidence among the players, and it reinforces the purpose of SA A as a platform for future Proteas.
“I was really impressed with how Marques led the team during the West Indies tour. The entire changeroom wanted to play for him, and that’s always a great sign. It was an easy and straightforward decision to back him again, and I’m definitely looking forward to working with him on this upcoming tour.
“Gerald and Kwena bring valuable international experience and skill, and with Bjorn Fortuin unavailable due to a groin injury, Tsepo’s selection is well-deserved based on his recent performances.”
The first unofficial One-Day International will be played on 30 August at Willowmoore Park in Benoni.
