GEORGE NEWS - The rise of local players to the international stage is a testament to the success of SWD Cricket's development programmes. Some of the players that have gone through this system and achieved great heights are:
Ottneil Baartman (31) was born in Oudtshoorn and progressed through the SWD cricket structures to establish himself as a professional cricketer.
He made his debut in domestic cricket in 2013 and gained recognition for his performances in first-class matches. His consistent performances led to his inclusion in the Proteas squad.
Baartman made his international debut for South Africa in 2021, impressing in his first few appearances as a bowler in limited-overs formats.
Tristan Stubbs (23), who attended Knysna Primary School, also began his cricketing journey in the SWD district. He made his debut in professional cricket in 2021 and quickly gained attention for his performances in limited-overs formats.
Ottniel Baartman Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images
Stubbs is now part of the Proteas setup and plays regularly in domestic and international T20 matches. He gained global attention during the 2022 ICC Men's T20 World Cup with his powerful batting performances, especially in the middle order.
Annerie Dercksen (20), who is from Beaufort West, is a product of SWD Cricket's women's development programmes. She attended Sentraal High School and progressed through provincial age-group teams. Dercksen now represents South Africa in women's cricket as part of the Proteas squad.
She made her debut for the Proteas Women's team in 2022 and has since become a key player in South Africa's bowling attack.
Glenton Stuurman (31) is also from Oudtshoorn and played professional cricket after advancing through the SWD pipeline.
He made his debut in first-class cricket in 2013 and earned a call-up to the Proteas team in 2021. Stuurman represented South Africa in two matches during his international career.
He made his debut against Pakistan in 2021, showcasing his skill as a fast bowler in both ODI and T20 formats.
Tristan Stubbs Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
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