Tuskes ready for top-flight challenge in 2025/26

Returning to Division 1 after a red-letter season in Division 2, the Moothee Ram Tuskers will be eager to ruffle more than just a few feathers this season.

The men from Pietermaritzburg won all three trophies last season, albeit two were shared, however they were the strongest team in the division and deserved their spot in the top flight for 2025/26.

Having bolstered their squad with the arrival of players like Wayne Parnell, Daryn Dupavillon, Hardus Viljoen and the return of Andile Mokgakane, the Tuskers have added significant depth to their already exciting squad.

Speaking about the additions, coach Ahmed Amla is happy with how their recruitment drive went in the off-season.

"Our core squad is effectively the same from our successful Division 2 season," Amla said. "We have been lucky enough to add some good, experienced players into the mix such as (Wayne) Parnell, (Hardus) Viljoen along with a few guys who are hungry to show their ability more consistently such as (Andile) Mokgakane, (Bamanye) Xenxe and (Renaldo) Meyer."

The squad boasts the experience of Michael Erlank, Mbulelo Budaza, Sean Whitehead and Ziyaad Abrahams already so adding to that mix with the talent of Sean Gilson, Jack Lees and SA Under-19 captain Muhammed Bulbulia, the Tuskers have assembled a formidable group of players.

The Tuskers spent the 2023/24 season in Division 1 before being relegated for last season, Amla believes the side is more than strong enough to stay up and wants the team to fight for every trophy.

"The goal of all eight teams in Division 1 is to win trophies, so we have to be realistic in that we have seen success through a squad effort.

"We are looking for more of the same this season; everyone pushing in the same direction," he added.

There has been a lot of work going on behind the scenes at the AET Pietermaritzburg Oval ahead of the new season and despite having to work their schedule around upgrades Amla is satisfied with how things have gone.

"We have had a very good winter and even with some guys playing in the UK and elsewhere, everyone has been together for the last three weeks.

"The facilities have been special, especially with the KwaZulu-Natal winter, and we did work around the upgrade work that has been done to The Oval, so we are excited to see how that improves our ground."

Heading into the new season Amla has highlighted the importance of home ground advantage, and he's made a note to remind his team of the importance of doing well in your own conditions.

"Home games are crucial and playing well at home has a significant impact in getting into position so that we can challenge for finals.

"The ground is in great condition and the pitch has played very well in our warm-up games, so we are excited to get positive results at The Oval," Amla commented.

With a busy schedule ahead for the Tuskers starting with the CSA 4-Day Domestic Series, the pinnacle of domestic cricket for Amla, he's looking forward to his team challenging on all fronts.

"The most rewarding trophy is always the 4-Day competition; however we are always going to try and win every game. This won't always happen given the quality and depth of the teams but that is something we want to strive towards."

The Tuskers first match of the new season is a 4-Day Domestic Series clash with the Eastvaal Renault North West Dragons in Potchefstroom from 25 - 28 September.