Colombo, Sri Lanka – The South African Over-50s cricket team has touched down in Colombo, Sri Lanka, ahead of the highly anticipated 2025 Over-50s Cricket World Cup. Brimming with experience and determination, the Protea Veterans are set to embark on a campaign that could see them go one step further than their runner-up finish in 2023.
The squad, which departed from OR Tambo International Airport following an emotional blazer ceremony, is drawn in Pool B alongside formidable opponents Australia, Pakistan, India, Wales, Canada, and the West Indies. Their opening fixture is scheduled against the Caribbean side at St Thomas’s Grounds in Mount Lavinia on February 9.
The team received a powerful send-off, with Cricket South Africa (CSA) representative Tebogo Siko and Veterans Cricket Association of South Africa (VCASA) Vice-Chairperson Wayne Stuurman addressing the players. Both men emphasized the honour and responsibility of representing South Africa at an international tournament.
“If you play for something more than just yourself, you’re going to be more successful,” Stuurman encouraged the squad. Siko added, “On behalf of Cricket South Africa, we are truly thankful that at this age, you’re raising your hand and saying, ‘I am going out there to represent my country.'”
A Focused and Determined Squad
The South African veterans are heading into the tournament with a clear objective—winning the title. The last edition, hosted on home soil in Cape Town, ended in heartbreak when they fell to England in the final. However, the squad believes that experience, coupled with meticulous preparation, gives them an edge this time around.
Team manager Hennie Fourie has been instrumental in ensuring smooth logistical operations and keeping the players focused. Speaking ahead of their first match, Fourie acknowledged the challenges but remains confident.
“Our job was to make sure the players could just focus on cricket. It’s been a massive effort behind the scenes, but we’re ready. The players have put in the hard work, and now it’s time to go out there and deliver,” Fourie said.
Conditions Favor the Fit and the Spin-Savvy
Captain Mario Solomons highlighted two key factors that will define South Africa’s approach—fitness and spin bowling.
“We know that the heat and humidity in Sri Lanka will test us. The pitches will be low and slow, and spin will play a major role. Thankfully, we have four quality spinners in the squad, and our batsmen are well-equipped to handle turning tracks,” Solomons explained.
Despite the age bracket, this is no social tournament. Solomons stressed the importance of peak physical condition, noting that with eight matches in two weeks, endurance will be just as crucial as skill.
“The biggest lesson from previous tournaments is that fitness matters. It’s a gruelling schedule, and only those who are physically and mentally prepared will go the distance,” he added.
Veterans Cricket: A Growing Movement
Veterans cricket has been gaining momentum worldwide, offering a platform for seasoned players to continue competing at a high level. Many members of the Over-50s squad still actively play club cricket, with some even featuring in premier league competitions against much younger opposition.
South Africa has already tasted success in the Veterans Cricket scene, winning the Over-40s World Cup last year in Cape Town, defeating New Zealand in the final. The Over-50s team is now determined to add another trophy to the country’s growing list of achievements in Masters Cricket.
Fixture List and Road to the Final
South Africa’s group stage fixtures:
- February 9 – vs West Indies (St Thomas’s Grounds, Mt Lavinia)
- February 12 – vs Australia (Burgher Recreation Club)
- February 13 – vs Wales (Mercantile Cricket Association Grounds)
- February 15 – vs India (DS Senanayake College)
- February 17 – vs Pakistan (Puijitha Uduwana Sports Academy Grounds)
- February 18 – vs Canada (Colombo Cricket Club)
If South Africa finishes in the top two of their pool, they will progress to the semi-finals on February 20, followed by the final at the R Premadasa Stadium on February 23.
The Ultimate Goal: Bringing the Trophy Home
With a well-balanced squad, a clear strategy, and unwavering belief, South Africa enters the 2025 Over-50s Cricket World Cup as one of the title contenders. Vice-captain Craig Lyons encapsulated the team’s spirit perfectly:
“We’re a band of brothers, giving up our lives for the next two weeks to represent South Africa. It won’t be easy, but we are here to win. We’re here to make memories, forge friendships, and hopefully, lift that trophy on February 23.”
With a nation’s hopes behind them, the Protea Veterans are ready for battle.
The Squad: A Blend of Experience and Skill
The South Africa Protea Veterans Over-50s Squad:
- Mario Solomons (Captain) – WP
- Craig Lyons (Vice-Captain) – Lions
- Deon Kruis – EP
- Tyron Henderson – Border
- Russell Krug – Border
- Yahya Jiwa – Titans
- Con Purchase – Titans
- Wayne Tharratt – WP
- Goolam Taliep – WP
- Munier Holiday – WP
- Dave Bakker – Boland
- Wiaan Smit – Boland
- Riaan Van De Rheede – Boland
- Andre Steyn – Eastern Storm
- Russell Bennett – Border
- Andrew Emslie – Border
- Hennie Fourie (Team Manager) – Boland
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