Cricket
NW Dragons ready and excited to get back to business─── MORGAN PIEK 08:24 Wed, 24 Sep 2025
The North West Dragons are locked and loaded to get their 2025/26 domestic cricket season underway when they face the KZN Tuskers from Thursday in Potchefstroom, in the opening round of the CSA 4-Day Series.
The Dragons have quietly gone about their business during a gruelling pre-season, which saw the introduction of several new faces to the squad, including all-rounder Dian Forrester and seamer Alfred Mothoa, to name a few.
The Tuskers are back in the top flight this season after securing promotion, replacing the Knights, who were relegated back to Division 2 after just one season.
Craig Alexander. Photo: Morgan Piek
During the off-season, a number of Dragons players turned out for various national teams. The clean-hitting wicketkeeper-batter Rubin Hermann even represented the Proteas at the highest level in the white-ball arena.
Coach Craig Alexander told OFM Sport that while the pre-season has been long and tough, the Dragons are fired up and eager to get onto the park come Thursday.
“The pre-season has been long. We worked on a 10- to 12-week programme, and I must say we’ve been very strict with our progression plan, keeping the players honest about where they are at specific stages of the season.” Alexander said.
“The players have really bought into the preparation, and now they’re looking forward to getting the season underway.
He also cautioned that while the Pietermaritzburg-based Tuskers are new to Division 1, they’ve recruited well and will be competitive.
“We’re taking on the Tuskers, and they’re a good side who have made some smart signings. It’s their first time back in Division 1, but we’re focused on our own game and making sure we perform to the best of our ability.
Captain Wihan Lubbe. Photo: Morgan Piek
At the end of the day, it’s professional cricket – the team that’s smarter on the day and sticks to the basics the longest will come out on top.
“We’re definitely looking forward to showing our skills when the competition gets underway on Thursday. It’s going to be an exciting season.”
Play between the Dragons and the Tuskers at the JB Marks Oval is scheduled to start at 10:00 on Thursday morning.
In the other first-round fixtures this week, Boland host the Titans at Boland Park in Paarl, while the Warriors welcome Western Province to St George’s Park in Gqeberha.
