Continuity the key as Dolphins announce squads
Both the Hollywoodbets Dolphins men's and ladies’ squads for the 2025/26 season have been confirmed.
From a Dolphins men's perspective there is very little change to the squad that won the CSA One Day Cup last campaign. Young Nqobani Mokoena receives his first contract with the Dolphins while Daryn Dupavillon moves to the Tusker and SJ Erwee retires after 17 years of dedicated service.
Young batter Slade van Staden earns his first full contract after being in and around the Dolphins squad for the past few seasons.
For coach Quinton Friend he feels that it's important that the team that got them success last season is trusted going into the new season.
"For us it's important that we show these players that we believe in them enough to perform at this level and that's why we've kept the majority of the same squad," Friend said.
"SJ Erwee and Daryn Dupavillon have been great stalwarts for Dolphins cricket and we wish them well going forward.
"We are really looking forward to see what this squad of players can produce for us in the new season."
The Dolphins men's squad continues to build on the local talent that comes out of the province and Mokoena and Van Staden are proof of that. Friend believes it's an asset to have strong local talent coming through.
"Our KZN pipeline is definitely doing something special, and we find that players from our pipeline are coming through every season.
"It's important that we look after the younger players that are coming through that pipeline and give them the opportunity to play for the Dolphins."
From a women's perspective, Dolphins have added two new players to their squad for the upcoming season in Asakhe Nyovane and Micaela Andrews. Nyovane will bolster the top order while Andrews is a hard-hitting all-rounder.
Head coach Angelique Taai is looking forward to getting the group together for a productive pre-season.
"I am very excited for the season ahead and can’t wait to get started," Taai said. "We always look for constant continual improvement and ways to be better as a whole on and off the field.
"We have done our season review as a squad and identified the areas that need strengthening, so I feel confident with the squad we put together for the 2025/2026 season.
"All of the ladies are itching to get going and get stuck in with our work. This off season will be slightly different because we will have a number of players away with the various national sides and academy as well as playing overseas."
Looking back on the previous season Taai is still positive about their achievements despite not winning a trophy.
"I am very proud of the ladies, they moved from strength to strength last season. It was disappointing for us all not being able to defend our Hollywoodbets Pro50 title, but we have shown immense improvement in our Hollywoodbets Pro20 campaign which we are all proud of.
"We achieved something special being in the top three in both formats," Taai added.
Hollywoodbets Dolphins Men's Squad:
Tristan Luus, Khaya Zondo, Okuhle Cele, Andile Simelane, Nqobani Mokoena**, Tshepang Dithole, Prenelan Subrayen, Ottniel Baartman, Romashan Pillay**, Jason Smith, Bryce Parsons, Jon-Jon Smuts, Slade Van Staden, Marques Ackerman, Eathan Bosch, Hanu Viljoen.
** - indicates rookie contracts
Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies' Squad:
Ayanda Hlubi, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Nobulumko Baneti, Alexandra Candler, Jade de Figueiredo, Nicole De Klerk, Courtney Gounden, Zintle Mali, Nosihle Sisanda Ngubane, Seshnie Naidu, Kwanga Pinini, Nondumiso Shangase, Nonhle Nobuhle Busane, Asamkele Kawu, Esihle Kawu, Yasmeen Khan, Micaela Andrews*, Asakhe Nyovane*.
* - indicates new contracts
