Western Province named their 2026-27 squad for the Hollywoodbets Pro Series, which will be captained by Leah Jones.
Western Province has retained the majority of its double-winning squad from last season, with Tatum le Roux and Caitlin Wyngaard being the only changes. They have been replaced by Jemma Botha and Jae-Liegh Filander.
“One of our key objectives is to ensure that Western Province continues to produce players capable of competing at the highest level while maintaining a healthy balance between experience and emerging talent. The introduction of exciting young players like Jemma and Jae-Leigh is a testament to the strength of our development pathway and the work being done throughout our clubs, schools, and provincial structures,” said WPCA Services Manager Clinton du Preez.
Botha and Filander have been part of the WP setup, rising through the system to earn their first professional contracts. Left-arm finger spinner Rifqah Essau has not graduated from her high-performance contract from last season.
Former Proteas U19 captains Kayla Reyneke and Oluhle Siyo have been retained for the upcoming season. The team still boasts significant experience with Dané van Niekerk, Delmi Tucker, Faye Tunnicliffe, Lara Goodall, and Jones, all of whom have international experience. Nosipho Vezi is one of the best domestic bowlers, consistently among the leading wicket-takers. Yandiswa Mangele is recognized as one of the best ground and boundary fielders in South Africa.
While losing Wyngaard and le Roux may seem significant, the emergence of Mia Lalor will definitely help fill that void. Even without a contract, Sinelethu Yaso and Refiloe Bomvana could use this as an opportunity to claim her spot among the WP pace attack. UWC and WP batter Kelsey Adams once again found herself overlooked for a contract in this powerful WP squad.
