The Richelieu Eagles are the favourites to qualify alongside Zimbabwe for the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and West India. Photo:Cricket Namibia
The Richelieu Eagles are the favourites to qualify alongside Zimbabwe for the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and West India. Photo:Cricket Namibia

Eagles, Chevrons firm favourites

Tielman Van Lill
Cricket Namibia has announced the 15 Richelieu Eagles who will represent Namibia at the ICC T20 World Cup Africa Region Qualifier from 22 to 30 November in the capital.

The first and second-placed teams will qualify for the 2024 T20 World Cup in West India and USA. Due to the batting power of Namibia and the Chevrons of Zimbabwe, it is unlikely that any of the other teams will pose a danger to them.

The Eagles will have to contend without the services of Lo-han Louwrens and Ruben Trumpelmann. Louwrens is still recovering from an appendectomy, and Trumpelmann is struggling with a nagging ankle injury.

However, David Wiese is available and is a must for Namibia to face Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe successfully. Wiese's ingenuity will especially come in handy against Zimbabwe as a bowler and batter. JP Kotzé strengthens the team as a batter and can also stand in as wicketkeeper if Zane Green experiences adversity.

Recipe for success

Head coach Pierre de Bruyn has stuck to the recipe for success in recent years. The Eagles have four recognised spin bowlers and six seamers available who can send the ball left and right.

Malan Kruger also gets another chance to show his mettle with the bat. Recognised batters such as Michael van Lingen, Niko Davin, Gerhard Erasmus, JP Kotzé, Jan Frylinck, JJ Smit and Zane Green will form the core of Namibia's batting attack.

There is also Nicol Loftie-Eaton, who can use the willow nicely, and Smit's fans would like him to step in lower down the batting list. If Smit's eye is on the ball, he can cause significant damage with his flashing bat and put the Eagles' opposing bowlers on the back foot.

The Eagles' programme:

November 22 at Wanderers: Versus Zimbabwe (14:30).

Nov 24 Wanderers: Vs Uganda (14:30).

Nov 25 Wanderers: Vs Rwanda (14:30).

Nov 27 United: Vs Kenya (09:30).

Nov 28 Wanderers: Vs Tanzania (09:30).

Nov 30 Wanderers: Vs Nigeria (14:30).

Namibia

Gerhard Erasmus (captain), JJ Smit (vice-captain), Zane Green (wicketkeeper), Michael van Lingen, Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Helao Ya France, Shaun Fouché, Ben Shikongo, Tangeni Lungameni, Niko Davin, Jan Frylinck, JP Kotzé, David Wiese, Bernard Scholtz, Malan Kruger.

Kenya (not available).

Nigeria

Sylvester Okpe (captain), Peter Aho, Ademola Onikoyi, Sesan Adedeji, Sulaimon Runsewe, Prosper Useni, Chiemelie Udekwe, Ridwan Kareem, Isaac Okpe, Daniel Ajekun, Isaac Danladi, Taiwo Mohammed, Joshua Asia, Akhere Isesele, Ashmit Shrestha.

Rwanda

Clinton Rubagumya, Didier Ndikubwimana, Emmanuel Sebareme, Eric Dusingizimana, Nadil Muhammed, Orchide Tuyisenge, Hamza Khan, Eric Niyomugaba, Wilson Nyitanga, Oscar Imanshmwe, Kevin Irakoze, Zappy Bimenyimana, Martin Akayezu, Emile Rukiriza, Eric Kubwmana.

Tanzania

Abhik Patwa (captain), Ivan Selemani, Amal Rajeevan, Mohamed Omary, Mohammed Yunus, Kassimu Nassoro, Mohamed Simba, Salum Jumbe, Sanjay Thakor, Ally Kimote, Abdullah Jabiri, Harsheed Chouhan, Yalinde Maurice Nkanya, Johnson Nyambo, Dhrumit Mehta, Akhil Anil.

Uganda

Brian Musaba (captain), Riazat Ali Shah, Dinesh Nakrani, Frank Nsubuga, David Wabwire, Jonathan Ssebanja, Simon Ssesazi, Ronak Patel, Roger Mukasa, Cyrus Kakuru, Kenneth Waiswa, Henry Ssenyondo, Robison Obuya, Alpesh Ramjani, Bilal Hassun.

Zimbabwe

Sikandar Raza (captain), Ryan Burl, Tendai Chatara, Craig Ervine, Luke Jongwe, Innocent Kaia, Clive Madande, Wessly Madhevere, Tadiwanashe Marumai, Wellington Masakadza, Carl Mumba, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Nic Welch, Sean Williams. – - [email protected]

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-08-16

No comments have been left on this article

Please login to leave a comment