The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Senior Men’s Cricket Club kicked off their 2026 sporting season with a statement of intent, securing a third-place finish at the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Club Championships. Hosted at the University of Pretoria from 14 to 18 January, the five-day tournament tested the mettle of the country’s elite club sides.
This performance follows closely on the heels of the University Sport South Africa (USSA) championships held in Stellenbosch just last month, signalling a high-intensity start to the year for the Orange Army.
Tournament results at a glance
UJ displayed impressive performances in three of their five fixtures, navigating complex playing conditions and the DLS method to secure vital wins.
| Day | Opponent | UJ Men’s Cricket | Result |
| 1 | Durbanville CC
118/1 |
155/10 (43.6) | DCC won (DLS Method) |
| 2 | PE CC
227/10 (45.3) |
266/6 (50) | UJ won by 31 runs |
| 3 | Amanzimtoti CC
210/10 (33.1) |
344/6 (50) | UJ won by 134 runs |
| 4 | Bedfordview CC
216/10 (48.6) |
130/10 (32.1) | Bedfordview won by 86 runs |
| 5 | UFS (Kovsies)
121/10 (39.1) |
60/2 (19.6) | UJ won by 8 wickets (DLS) |
A “Rebuilding” success story
Despite the podium finish, Head Coach Siyabonga Sibiya emphasized that the squad is currently in a rebuilding phase. Remarkably, every player selected was making their debut at the CSA Club Championships.
“The week proved to be a valuable period of learning, growth, and exposure,” said Sibiya. “The difference between finishing third and winning the tournament ultimately came down to experience, but the group embraced the challenge with maturity and resilience.”
The coach noted that while the academic year began earlier than usual, the team’s preparations were robust enough to contend with five of the nation’s top-tier clubs.
Only six South African cricket teams qualified to participate in the CSA National Club Championships.
Individual Brilliance
UJ’s campaign was bolstered by several standout individual performances that dominated the post-tournament awards ceremony:
- Ryan Maritz (Captain): Put on a clinical display to be named Player of the Tournament and Batter of the Tournament. He also picked up a Man of the Match award against Amanzimtoti CC.
- Nico van der Westhuizen: The left-arm spinner was a model of consistency, earning the title of Bowler of the Tournament. His efforts earned him two Man of the Match awards against PE CC and UFS Kovsies.
Looking Ahead
As the club transitions back into the regular league season, the focus remains on long-term growth. Coach Sibiya expressed his hope that the talented young squad would continue their journey with the university, building on the “strong foundation” laid in Pretoria.
The UJ Cricket Club extended its gratitude to the UJ Sport Athlete Support Division, the Communications Unit, and senior management for their support throughout the high-stakes week.
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