23 October 2026
(Feature image: Ryan Clarke, courtesy Justin Waldman Sports Photography)
The KZN Inland Tuskers U19 squad for the Khaya Majola Week boasts five players who represented the province at last year’s tournament in Bloemfontein, bringing valuable experience to the side ahead of this year’s edition in Stellenbosch from 16 to 20 December.
Leading the way is St Charles College captain Thando Zama, who earned selection for the SA Colts team after an impressive showing in the Free State capital. He returns to the Tuskers squad alongside four bowlers who also featured at Khaya Majola Week last year: Reece Willson, Sechaba Gude, Thandanani Zuma, and Kaiyuran Naidoo.
Willson, Gude, and Zuma will spearhead the seam attack, while Naidoo provides a spin option with his off-breaks.
Five players have earned promotion after representing KZN Inland at the U16 level last year, while several others have made their mark through consistent performances this season.
Hilton College wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Wilson has shown his reliability with both the gloves and the bat, providing consistency as an opening batsman. Michaelhouse‘s Cody Sander offers a similar combination of skills behind the stumps and as a top-order or middle-order batsman.
Ryan Clarke, of St Charles, is a seam-bowling all-rounder capable of making an impact in both disciplines. Hilton’s Obakeng Motsepa brings similar versatility, while Maritzburg College batsman Akhil Bharath adds another dimension with his useful spin bowling.
Liam O’Dwyer also has experience at the provincial level, having represented the U16 side at the 2024 CSA Boys Week. He made a memorable contribution during that tournament, claiming a remarkable 6/5 in a victory over the Garden Route Badgers.
Among the other selections, Michaelhouse‘s Ben Heuer has been rewarded for an outstanding year in which he has impressed with both bat and ball.
Meanwhile, Hilton College opening batsman Barack Munawa has earned his place through his consistent performances at the top of the order.
With a blend of returning experience, promising young talent, and players who have delivered consistently throughout the season, the Tuskers will head to Stellenbosch confident they can make their mark at the country’s premier schoolboy cricket tournament.
TEAMS
KZN Tuskers U19
Barack Munawa (Hilton), Ben Heuer (Michaelhouse), Thando Zama (St Charles), Ryan Clarke (St Charles), Ben Wilson (Hilton), Reece Willson (Maritzburg College), Cody Sander (Michaelhouse), Obakeng Motsepa (Hilton), Sechaba Gude (Hilton), Akhil Bharath (Maritzburg College), Kaiyuran Naidoo (St Charles), Liam O’Dwyer (Michaelhouse), Thandanani Zuma (Michaelhouse)
Head coach: Kyle Nipper (Maritzburg College)
Assistant coach: Suvedh Ramprith (Drakensview Primary)
Manager: Neelan Iyavoo (Estcourt High)
4 Hilton College | 4 Michaelhouse | 3 St Charles College | 2 Maritzburg College
U17 Regional Week
Wonga Mlonzi (Michaelhouse), Rex Wardlaw (Michaelhouse), Caleb Sharp (St Charles), Relebogile Mokoena (St Charles), Sean Burman (Hilton), Ross Hill (Hilton), Aphiwe Nzama (Sweetwaters Hub), Aphile Nzama (Sweetwaters Hub), Riley Muir (Michaelhouse), Matthew Southwood (Michaelhouse), Nishay Sudhoowa (Michaelhouse), Sandiso Futshane (Hilton).
Head coach: David Griffiths (Hilton College)
Manager: Tumelo Kabini (Michaelhouse)
5 Michaelhouse | 3 Hilton College | 2 St Charles College | 2 Sweetwaters Hub
KZN Tuskers U15 Blue
Guy Fyvie (Hilton), Triston Seach (Maritzburg College), Murangi Magondo (Hilton), Caleb Tyler (Maritzburg College), Luke Mallet (Michaelhouse), Blake Smith (Maritzburg College), Duncan Dicks (Hilton), Daniel Marot (Maritzburg College), Langa Zondi (Sweetwaters Hub), Jordan Kershaw (Sarel Cilliers High), Zakhele Hlophe (Sweetwaters Hub), Lwazi Mkhize (Imbali Hub).
Head coach: Travis Pieters (Hilton College)
Manager: Themba Hlela (KZNI Cricket Union)
4 Maritzburg College | 3 Hilton College | 2 Sweetwaters Hub | 1 Sarel Cilliers | 1 Imbali Hub | 1 Michaelhouse
KZN Inland U15 Black
Daniel Rees (Michaelhouse), Nate Smit (Hilton), Ashar Mahmoud (Maritzburg College), James Buys (Michaelhouse), Matteo Puddu (Maritzburg College), Luthando Ndlovu (St Charles), Ryan Soorajlal (St Charles), Sandiso Ngubane (Hilton), Mohapi Ntseare (Hilton), Keaton Singh (Northdale Hub), Quin St John-Ward (Maritzburg College), Jake Odell (St Charles).
Head coach: Abhishek Sewlall (KZN Inland Cricket Union)
Manager: Nhlanhla Nene (KZN Inland Cricket Union)
3 Maritzburg College | 3 St Charles College | 3 Hilton College | 2 Michaelhouse| 1 Northdale Hub