KZN Coastal included in Division 1
Following the announcement of the restructuring of domestic cricket in
South Africa, Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced on Monday that the Hollywoodbets
Dolphins will represent KZN Coastal in Division 1 while Hollywoodbets KZN
Inland will play in the bottom seven in the lower Division 2.
The Dolphins have once again proven their worth with a shared triumph in the Momentum One Day Cup and then making it to the final of the Betway T20 Challenge. This coupled with being the number one affiliate, as per the latest CSA scorecard, helped the union successfully bid for a spot in the top eight.
“Looking at the success of both the Dolphins and Hollywoodbets KZN Coastal we are looking forward to continuing to play amongst the best unions in the country,” CEO of KZN Cricket Heinrich Strydom said.
"With two semi-professional trophies and three franchise trophies in the last four seasons KZN Cricket continues to show its worth and builds on its success.”
Governance came into the spotlight when KZN Cricket won the CSA Scorecard last season which showed important growth at the union off the field.
“We were number one in governance and finance in the previous season which all contributed to the union winning the CSA Scorecard for the first time.
“Not only have we worked hard from a governance point of view but there have been massive upgrades to Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium with playing facilities, players change rooms and practice facilities all receiving important upgrades.
“The Dolphins brand has been well supported by a number of sponsors and partners who are crucial to the brand continuing to thrive and grow it’s following throughout the country.”
The Dolphins will be looking to consolidate their spot in the top eight and fight for trophies in all competitions.
KZN Coastal will be joined by Boland, Eastern Province, Free State, Gauteng, North-West, Northerns and Western Province.
Hollywoodbets KZN Inland has been included in Division 2 with an important goal of gaining promotion to Division 1.
Inland will be up against Border, Northern Cape, Easterns, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and South Western Districts in the Division Two.
President of the KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union Daniel Govender welcomes the new system and is hoping to see Inland push for promotion.
“It is the goal to have both KZN sides in Division One,” Govender said.
“With the talent that is coming through the Inland system we hope that they can push the other sides in their division to gain that important promotion spot for the 2023/24 season.
"There are so many good players across both the Coastal and Inland squads there is going to be a lot of competition for places like we have already seen.
“We are looking forward to seeing how both sides go in the new season following a strong finish to this season by the KZN sides.”
