South Africa Champions 2025 Players Lists: Legends, Records and Achievements

South Africa Champions Team Overview and History

Formed in 2024 as part of the inaugural World Championship of Legends, the South Africa Champions drew their strength from a star-studded squad that featured some of the greatest names in South African cricket history. With AB de Villiers at the helm, and supported by stalwarts like Dale Steyn, Herschelle Gibbs, and Imran Tahir, the team represented a golden era of South African cricket.

Despite their immense potential, the 2024 campaign didn’t unfold as hoped. The team won only two out of their five league matches and failed to qualify for the playoffs due to a weaker Net Run Rate (NRR). They finished fifth on the table, behind India Champions and West Indies Champions, who had the same number of points but a better NRR.

Nonetheless, the South Africa Champions displayed flashes of brilliance, and their thrilling brand of cricket kept fans engaged throughout. Heading into the 2025 edition, the team has retained its core and looks set for a strong comeback.

South Africa Champions World Championship of Legends Journey

South Africa Champions entered the 2024 WCL as one of the most balanced sides. With a top-order boasting of Jacques Rudolph, AB de Villiers, and Herschelle Gibbs, and a bowling attack led by Dale Steyn and Imran Tahir, the team had match-winners in every department.

However, the campaign was marred by inconsistency. They started with a loss and could never quite gain the momentum needed to dominate the league stage. Although they managed two victories, it wasn’t enough to push their NRR above that of India Champions and West Indies Champions, who also finished with four points.

The highlight of their season was a dominant win over England Champions and a close finish against India Champions. But narrow losses to Pakistan Champions and Australia Champions sealed their fate in the group stage.

With lessons learned and renewed determination, the team is aiming to convert their promise into silverware in the 2025 edition.

South Africa Champions World Championship of Legends 2025 Squad

This mix of power-hitters, utility all-rounders, and fiery pacers gives the South Africa Champions a well-rounded team ready to challenge any opposition. With high-stakes matches scheduled across England, the South Africa Champions will need to bring their A-game to secure a spot in the playoffs this time around.

South Africa Champions World Championship of Legends 2025 Fixtures

Key Players to watch for South Africa Champions in World Championship of Legends 2025 

AB de Villiers

Making his much-anticipated debut in the World Championship of Legends, AB de Villiers will lead the South Africa Champions in 2025. The former South African captain is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and destructive batters in the history of the game. While he did not feature in the 2024 edition, his presence this season brings added firepower and leadership to the squad. Known for his 360-degree batting and ice-cool temperament, de Villiers will be tasked with stabilising the middle order and finishing games with his signature flair. His return to competitive cricket is one of the biggest talking points of WCL 2025.

Dale Steyn

The fiery fast bowler may have retired from international cricket, but Dale Steyn’s passion and intensity remain undiminished. Known for his lethal pace and fierce competitiveness, Steyn will spearhead the bowling attack for the South Africa Champions. While he had a modest showing in 2024, his experience on English pitches and ability to strike with the new ball makes him a game-changer. Expect him to set the tone early in the innings and deliver those trademark yorkers when it matters most.

Imran Tahir

The energetic leg-spinner with a knack for breakthroughs, Imran Tahir continues to be one of the most effective bowlers in the WCL setup. With 7 wickets in the 2024 season, Tahir was South Africa Champions’ leading wicket-taker and a constant threat in the middle overs. His variations, coupled with his attacking mindset, often force errors from set batters. As the spin lead, Tahir will once again be crucial on the slower English tracks where spin can play a major role in deciding outcomes.

Herschelle Gibbs

The veteran opener and one of South Africa’s most stylish stroke-makers, Herschelle Gibbs brings flair and fearlessness to the top order. Capable of dismantling bowling attacks within the powerplay, Gibbs remains a danger for any opposition. His quick-fire 40s and 50s can change the momentum of games in an instant. With the team looking to dominate the early phases of matches, Gibbs’ form could set the tone for the South Africa Champions’ success in 2025.

Roelof van der Merwe

A multi-faceted all-rounder, Roelof van der Merwe is one of the most underrated assets in the South Africa Champions squad. With left-arm orthodox spin and powerful lower-order hitting, he offers balance and flexibility. His ability to break partnerships and finish innings with quick runs makes him a valuable asset. In the 2024 edition, his dual-role contributions proved critical, and he will again be looked upon to provide depth across both departments.

Wayne Parnell

The left-arm seamer and utility batter adds variety and experience to the lineup. Parnell's ability to swing the ball early and nail the yorkers at the death make him a key component of the bowling attack. Additionally, his big-hitting lower down the order can rescue or finish innings. Parnell’s role as a finisher and death bowler could prove decisive in crunch moments throughout the 2025 season.

As South Africa Champions seek redemption and a shot at the WCL crown, these stalwarts will be at the heart of their campaign. With a blend of flair, firepower, and finesse, this squad has all the ingredients for a title run.

South Africa Champions Achievements and Records

The South Africa Champions made their debut in the inaugural edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) in 2024. While they showcased moments of brilliance and fielded a lineup rich in international pedigree, the team ultimately fell short of playoff qualification. Despite winning two out of their five league matches, they were edged out by India and West Indies Champions due to a lower Net Run Rate.

Though they did not progress to the semifinals, the team delivered spirited performances, with individuals like Imran Tahir and Herschelle Gibbs playing standout roles. Tahir’s leg-spin proved pivotal in controlling the middle overs, while Gibbs showed glimpses of his classic hitting ability at the top of the order.

With the arrival of AB de Villiers as captain in 2025, the franchise looks to build on the lessons from 2024 and convert potential into success in the second edition of the tournament.

South Africa Champions Team Records 

South Africa Champions Individual Records 

With a more experienced squad and fresh leadership under AB de Villiers, South Africa Champions will aim to rewrite their WCL story in 2025 and push for a place in the playoffs and beyond.

South Africa Champions Ownership and Sponsors 2025

The South Africa Champions, a proud representative of Proteas legends in the WCL, are owned by Harry Singh of NKD Life. Singh, a passionate cricket enthusiast and successful entrepreneur, has brought his dynamic vision to the franchise, helping build a team that blends nostalgia with high-performance entertainment.
NKD Life, known for its innovative lifestyle and wellness products, has made strategic investments in sports branding, with the South Africa Champions being its flagship cricket property. Singh’s leadership off the field has played a key role in shaping the franchise’s brand image and commercial footprint.
Supporting them in the sponsorship roster is Castle Lager, one of South Africa’s most iconic beer brands.