New signings add fresh firepower to domestic cricket season

South Africa’s domestic cricket season gets under way on Thursday with several familiar names returning to old teams and a number of new faces ready to make an impact.

The 2026/27 1st Class Series will feature plenty of international experience, with the franchises strengthening their squads during the off season.

DP World Lions additions

The defending champions, DP World Lions, have made two major additions.

Proteas fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has moved to the Lions from the Momentum Multiply Titans, giving Allan Donald another international quality pace option to work with.

The Lions have also brought Quinton de Kock back to the DP World Wanderers Stadium.

It is a return to where De Kock's professional career began more than a decade ago. The former Proteas wicketkeeper batter needs little introduction and his experience will be a major boost for the defending champions.

The Lions will be looking to continue their recent dominance after winning the 1st Class title for the third time in three seasons last campaign.

Titans strengthen their squad

The Momentum Multiply Titans have responded with several important signings of their own.

Eathan Bosch has arrived from the Hollywoodbets Dolphins, while Sinethemba Qeshile joins from the Dafabet Warriors. Evan Jones has also returned to SuperSport Park after leaving the Lions.

The Titans will be hoping the additions can help them build on their successful 2025/26 campaign, when they lifted the Dafabet Pro50 title.

Dolphins welcome back Roelofsen

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins have brought Grant Roelofsen back to Durban after two seasons with Boland.

Roelofsen enjoyed an excellent spell in the Western Cape and wrote his name into the Dolphins record books despite playing for Boland.

The 30 year old scored 227 against North West Dragons, the highest first class score in the Dolphins franchise's history.

The Dolphins have also signed Ntando Zuma following the relegation of the Moothee Ram Tuskers.

They have retained several important players, including Proteas seamer Ottneil Baartman, Prenelan Subrayen and experienced batter Khaya Zondo.

Knights return to top flight

The Flexbrands Knights return to Division 1 after a memorable 2025/26 season.

The Free State side completed a clean sweep of Division 2 trophies and have now strengthened their squad with eight new players.

Among the most notable arrivals are Jono Bird from Western Province, Junaid Dawood from the Titans and Lesego Senokwane, who returns to Bloemfontein from the Titans.

The challenge now is to turn their success in Division 2 into a competitive Division 1 campaign.

Boland turn to experienced Brand

Boland face the task of replacing Roelofsen but have made an experienced signing in Neil Brand.

The former Titans player has international experience and captained South Africa in two Test matches against New Zealand in 2024.

Fast bowler Lizaad Williams has also returned to the province where his professional career began after spells with the Titans and at international level.

Dragons strengthen their attack

The North West Dragons have also added experience following the Tuskers' relegation.

Daryn Dupavillon has joined the Dragons, while Juan James and Mthiwekhaya Nabe arrive from Western Province.

Nabe in particular will be expected to strengthen the bowling attack as the Dragons look to make a bigger impact across South Africa's domestic competitions.

Warriors look to build on strong season

The Dafabet Warriors enjoyed one of the best seasons in their recent history last year.

They won the Pro20 title and came within one match of claiming the 1st Class trophy before losing the final to the Lions.

The Eastern Cape side have added Sibonelo Makhanya from the Titans, Beuran Hendricks from Western Province, Andile Mokgakane from the Tuskers and Tladi Bokako from the Lions.

They have also retained a strong core, including Proteas and international players Tristan Stubbs, Senuran Muthusamy and Jordan Hermann.

With established stars, returning players and a host of new signings across the franchises, the new domestic season promises to be fiercely contested.

For South African cricket, it is also another opportunity for emerging players to push their claims and for established names to remind the national selectors of their value.