Boland's Justin Ontong excited by seam duo Glenton Stuurman, Lizaad Williams ahead of Lions clash

Experienced seamer Glenton Stuurman will lead Boland in the new domestic season. Image: Backpagepix Ahead of the start of the new South African domestic season, Boland head coach Justin Ontong is embracing a fresh chapter with quiet confidence. Facing a stiff opening test against the defending CSA Four-Day Domestic series champions the Lions at the Wanderers on Thursday, Ontong believes his revamped squad possesses the ideal blend of experience and character to turn potential into silverware. Boland enter the 2026/27 campaign having bid farewell to a core group of seasoned campaigners, including Shaun von Berg, Clyde Fortuin, Aviwe Mgijima, and Ayabulela Gqamane. However, the Paarl-based outfit have moved decisively in the market to replenish their ranks with proven international and domestic talent. Headlining the arrivals are former Proteas Test captain Neil Brand and international paceman Lizaad Williams, while experienced seamer Glenton Stuurman will lead the side in the campaign. Boland will also enjoy the services of last season's top batter in the four-day competition, with Gavin Kaplan set play a big part up the order following a 903-run campaign. "Yeah, new season, new beginnings — almost a brand-new team," Ontong said at the Boland season launch on Monday, which included the unveiling of new team sponsor Dafabet. "Yes, we've lost some experienced players... but we've replaced them with Neil Brand, who captained the Proteas in a Test match in New Zealand, and we've also got Protea Lizaad Williams. 'There's lots of experience there, alongside guys on the domestic front who have played in very successful teams and know how to win trophies." The build-up to the season opener has been thorough. While several senior players spent the off-season sharpening their skills in competitive cricket overseas, the remainder of the squad engaged in intensive indoor sessions before heading to Gqeberha for a warm-up tour against the Warriors. A primary focus for Ontong during the final fortnight of preparation has been integrating the newcomers into Boland's renowned, family-orientated environment. "We've always been a team that prides ourselves off the field on creating a family environment," Ontong noted. "The guys have slotted in very nicely. In terms of working together in our practices and the conversations we've had, it's been really good. 'When that first ball is bowled on Thursday and we see how the game unfolds, we'll start seeing the true character of the guys." A major source of excitement for the coach is his new-look seam attack. With Williams returning to full fitness following a stint in Sri Lanka and working hard to build up his red-ball workloads, his opening partnership with Stuurman promises to be a lethal proposition for opposing top orders. "If you play against an opposition and they look at the team sheet and see Glenton Stuurman and 'Lizzy' opening the bowling, there's that little bit of nerves," Ontong grinned. "Lizzy is a character. When it gets to 40 degrees in Paarl and everyone starts going quiet, that's where you need characters to keep you engaged. I'm just very grateful he's on my team." Having come agonisingly close to lifting a trophy in recent seasons, Ontong is urging his side to embrace the tough periods and master the crucial, high-pressure moments, starting on Thursday in Johannesburg. "It's never going to be a smooth ride," Ontong admitted. "There's going to be lots of learning, and it's about how quickly we bounce back from the lows in a game. 'We've spoken a lot about winning those small moments and working our way up to the big moment, which is ultimately trying to bring back silverware."