Ongama Gcwabe

Ongama Gcwabe

Sports Writer

117 Articles

Favourite Cricket Team

South Africa

Favourite Cricket Player

Makhaya Ntini

Favourite Cricket Ground

St. George’s Park Cricket Stadium

Favourite Cricket Format

Test cricket

Favourite Sporting Memory

Proteas qualifying for their first ever World Cup Final

Favourite Sports Movie

Monneyball

Ongama Gcwabe is an experienced sports journalist based in South Africa. His work has been featured in top publications like Independent Newspapers and IOL Sport.

latestArticlesBy Ongama Gcwabe

CLT20 2012 - Highveld Lions v Mumbai Indians

Cricket

Sources Claim Quinton de Kock Has No Plans to Play Domestic Cricket Despite Proteas Return 

Quinton de Kock's return to international cricket sparks excitement, but his reluctance to play for his domestic team, the Lions, raises concerns. Without a national contract with Cricket South Africa, he is not obligated to play domestic cricket, leaving young players without his guidance.

Ongama Gcwabe

2026-03-09

General view

Cricket

Former Lions Star Nono Pongolo Highlights Uncertainty of One-Year Contracts in SA Domestic Cricket

Former Lions cricketer Nono Pongolo reflects on the challenges of having one-year contracts throughout his career, highlighting the uncertainties faced by many domestic players in South Africa. He pleads for clarity in the role of domestic coaches to focus on player development rather than short-term results.

Ongama Gcwabe

2026-03-09

South Africa v New Zealand: ICC Men's T20 World Cup India & Sri Lanka 2026 Semi-Final

Cricket

‘Any Team Must Adapt’ – Alviro Petersen on Proteas’ Kolkata Collapse Against New Zealand

Former Proteas batter Alviro Petersen reflected on South Africa's semi-final exit from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, acknowledging that being based in Ahmedabad for most matches was a factor. South Africa dominated in the group stages but failed to adapt in the semi-final against the Black Caps, leading to their defeat. Petersen highlighted the importance of adapting to conditions and praised New Zealand for their thorough preparation and performance.

Ongama Gcwabe

2026-03-05

CRICKET-T20-ENG-RSA

Cricket

Exclusive: Tabraiz Shamsi Reveals the Brotherhood Fuelling Lungi Ngidi’s World Cup Comeback

South Africa's leading T20I wicket-taker, Tabraiz Shamsi, shares the success story of his close friend Lungi Ngidi at the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Despite past challenges, Ngidi has emerged as one of the best bowlers in the tournament, making his friends and fans proud. Their friendship adds humor and entertainment to the Proteas camp as they support each other's journeys in cricket.

Ongama Gcwabe

2026-02-25

South Africa v Afghanistan:  ICC Men´s T20 World Cup India & Sri Lanka 2026

Cricket

Exclusive: Keshav Maharaj Confident Proteas Can Quiet India’s Strong Batting on Sunday

Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj prepares to face a tough India batting lineup in a crucial Super 8 fixture on Sunday. Maharaj is focused on devising a plan with the team's video analyst to combat India's strength against spin bowling. He has been in good form throughout the T20 World Cup and aims to make a significant contribution in the upcoming match.

Ongama Gcwabe

2026-02-20

CRICKET-RSA

Cricket

Exclusive: Cricket SA Aim to Announce Full 2026/27 Summer Line-Up by Week’s End, White-Ball England Leg in Doubt

Cricket South Africa is finalising the summer schedule with England and Australia set to headline the upcoming 2026/27 season. The white ball leg of the England series may be in jeopardy due to clashes with SA20. The Director of National Teams, Enoch Nkwe, aims to announce the full schedule by the end of the week amidst discussions with various boards. The evolving cricket landscape includes adapting to the SA20 window for the survival and success of the sport in South Africa.

Ongama Gcwabe

2026-02-19

New Zealand v South Africa:  ICC Men's T20 World Cup India & Sri Lanka 2026

Cricket

Exclusive: Robin Peterson Backs Proteas’ T20 World Cup Chances and Hails Ryan Rickelton’s Form

Former Proteas player Robin Peterson is confident in the South African team's chances of winning the 2026 T20 World Cup. He praises the team's recent victories and backs Ryan Rickelton's success at number three. Rickelton has impressed with his batting skills in the tournament.

Ongama Gcwabe

2026-02-16

South Africa v Afghanistan:  ICC Men´s T20 World Cup India & Sri Lanka 2026

Cricket

Exclusive: ‘It Would Not Surprise Me If They Go All the Way,’ Says Former Proteas All-Rounder Chris Morris

Former Proteas all-rounder expects South Africa to reach 2026 T20 World Cup final with numerous match-winners in the team. Intensity in India is a key challenge, but Proteas are unbeaten. Morris recalls past World Cup intensity and highlights the importance of handling pressure moments.

Ongama Gcwabe

2026-02-12

TOPSHOT-CRICKET-ICC-MENS-T20-WC-2026-AFG-RSA

Cricket

Exclusive: Ryan Rickelton Credits 2024 World Cup Exposure for Calm, Clinical Start to 2026 Campaign

South African batter Ryan Rickelton credits exposure from 2024 T20 World Cup for shaping his mindset. In the 2026 T20 World Cup, he has been in top form, scoring 33 against Canada and 61 against Afghanistan. Batting at number three, Rickelton has adapted well and aims to help South Africa secure victory in the tournament.

Ongama Gcwabe

2026-02-11

Australia v South Africa - T20 Series: Game 2

Cricket

Exclusive: Kwena Maphaka Beams With Pride Ahead of First Senior World Cup With Proteas

19-year-old South African fast bowler Kwena Maphaka is thrilled to be part of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. With aspirations of being a regular wicket-taker, he aims to show good aggression with the ball. Maphaka is honored to represent his country and hopes to help South Africa win their first World Cup trophy.

Ongama Gcwabe

2026-02-09

Australia v South Africa - T20 Series: Game 2

Cricket

Exclusive: Corbin Bosch Leans on 2014 U19 Success as He Prepares for Maiden T20 World Cup

Proteas fast bowler Corbin Bosch, an U19 World Cup winner in 2014, prepares for his debut in the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. Alongside Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada, they aim to bring the first senior World Cup trophy to South Africa. Bosch reflects on his inspiring journey to international cricket, with lessons learned from the successful year of 2025.

Ongama Gcwabe

2026-02-05

Sri Lanka v South Africa - ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup West Indies & USA 2024

Cricket

Exclusive: CSA Hits Back at Ottneil Baartman Over World Cup Squad Claim - “That Is Not True”

Cricket SA Convenor Selector refutes Ottneil Baartman's claim of lack of communication regarding his omission for the 2026 Men's ICC T20 World Cup squad. Baartman's exclusion sparked controversy, with former players questioning the decision. Moroney asserts Baartman was informed and defends the selection process. The squad announcement deadline was met to avoid disruption during the SA20 tournament.

Ongama Gcwabe

2026-01-28

CRICKET-RSA-PRESSER

Cricket

Shukri Conrad on Proteas Injury Blow: De Zorzi & Ferreira Out of T20 World Cup

Proteas coach Shukri Conrad discusses the loss of batters De Zorzi and Ferreira for the 2026 Men's ICC T20 World Cup. Replacements Rickelton and Stubbs named. Check out the South Africa Men’s Squad for the upcoming series against West Indies and the T20 World Cup fixtures.

Ongama Gcwabe

2026-01-22

Exclusive: Matthew Breetzke Battles Through Dip to Lead Sunrisers into SA20 Qualifier One

Cricket

Exclusive: Matthew Breetzke Battles Through Dip to Lead Sunrisers into SA20 Qualifier One

Sunrisers' Matthew Breetzke discusses managing form dips, importance of his MI Cape Town knock, and being the go-to guy as they face Pretoria Capitals in Qualifier One. Ahead of the playoff clash, his experience playing at Kingsmead could be key.

Ongama Gcwabe

2026-01-20

CRICKET-IND-IPL-T20-MUMBAI-HYDERABAD

Cricket

Exclusive: Marco Jansen Hails Adrian Birrell’s Man-Management as Key to Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s SA20 Success

Sunrisers Eastern Cape's success in SA20 is credited to coach Adrian Birrell's exceptional communication skills and team-building exercises. Fast bowler Marco Jansen praises Adi's coaching approach and the team's camaraderie. Jansen, aiming for a match-winning performance, appreciates the support from the vibrant fans in Gqeberha.

Ongama Gcwabe

2026-01-17

CRICKET-IND-RSA-T20

Cricket

Exclusive: Lungi Ngidi Relishes Role Clarity Ahead of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India

Proteas fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, with a T20I record, is geared up for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup after his success in India. Ngidi emphasizes maintaining his usual approach and is ready to lead South Africa's pace attack in their quest for a maiden senior World Cup trophy.

Ongama Gcwabe

2026-01-16

Ongama Gcwabe

Ongama has reported on numerous international and local sports events. A key highlight of his career was covering the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa.