Selections evenly spread in KZN Tuskers’ Khaya Majola team
The KwaZulu-Natal Tuskers u19 side named for the Khaya Majola Week in Bloemfontein from 16 to 21 December underlines the even spread of talent across the province in 2025, with no single school dominating selection.
Maritzburg College leads the way with four players, followed by St Charles College and Hilton College with three each, Michaelhouse with two, and Ikusaselihle High School contributing one.
For College, Daniel Nadasan and Sphamandla Dzanibe return to the squad after featuring at last year’s Khaya Majola Week. Nadasan has been a consistent presence at the top of the order, while Dzanibe’s left-handed stroke play and handy seamers add valuable balance.
They’re joined by the school’s new-ball pairing of Reece Willson and Samuel Hughes, both of whom have impressed with their control and aggression.
Hilton College contributes Ben Hockly, David Hill, and Sechaba Gude. Hockly, who turned out for South Africa u19 earlier this year, endured an up-and-down season but produced some of his best performances in the biggest matches. His ability to rise to the occasion makes him a key figure for the Tuskers.
Hill, a talented leg-spinner, and Gude, a lively paceman who continues to mature as a strike bowler, round out Hilton’s trio.
From St Charles College, Rowen Rajah, another SA u19 Emerging representative, brings express pace and a decent bat lower down the order. He’s joined by the hard-hitting Thandolwethu Zama and off-spinner Kaiyuran Naidoo, who attended the SA u17 National Cricket Camp in September.
Michaelhouse contributes Thandanani Zuma, a seamer who has effectively spearheaded ‘House‘s bowling attack and contributed some match-winning returns, while Ethan Muir, a composed top-order batsman, has anchored the school’s batting with several big innings.
Rounding out the 13-man squad is Siphosethu Ngcobo from Ikusaselihle High, whose inclusion highlights the growing reach of cricket development in the province.
There’s a strong sense of continuity in the group. The Tuskers’ u16 side from 2024, which featured Zama, Willson, Naidoo, Zuma, and Gude, provides much of the backbone for this year’s Khaya Majola team. Guiding them will be the same coaching duo that took the reins at u16 level: head coach Lucky Dladla (St Charles College) and assistant coach Travis Pieters (Hilton College).
KZN Tuskers Provincial Teams
u19
Thandolwethu Zama (St Charles College), Thandanani Zuma (Michaelhouse), Reece Willson (Maritzburg College), Rowen Rajah (St Charles College), Siphosethu Ngcobo (Ikusaselihle High), Kaiyuran Naidoo (St Charles College), Daniel Nadasan (Maritzburg College), Ethan Muir (Michaelhouse), Samuel Hughes (Maritzburg College), Ben Hockly (Hilton College), David Hill (Hilton College), Sechaba Gude (Hilton College), Sphamandla Dzanibe (Maritzburg College).
Head coach: Lucky Dladla (St Charles College)
Assistant coach: Travis Peters (Hilton College)
Manager: Suvedh Ramprith (Drakensview Primary)
u16
Ben Wilson (Hilton College) Wonga Mlonzi (Michaelhouse), Cody Sander (Michaelhouse), Akhil Bharath (Maritzburg College), Obakeng Motsepa (Hilton College), Keegan Vermaak (St Charles College), Caleb Sharp (St Charles College), Rex Wardlaw (Michaelhouse), Sange Qangule (Hilton College), Ryan Clarke (St Charles College), Aphile Nzama (Insika High), Sanda Futshane (Hilton College), Relebogile Mokoena (St Charles College).
Head coach: David Griffiths (Hilton College)
Assistant coach: Lwandiswa Zuma (Michaelhouse)
Manager: Qiniso Zondi (Estcourt High)
