Banele Cele

Banele Cele is one of South Africa’s bright all-round talents, hailing from Durban originally. A hard-hitting Right-hander that can bat anywhere in the middle order, he is a quality Right-arm Fast/Medium seamer that was a regular feature in the Dolphins pathway through his teens. He was schooled at Glenwood High School for whom he was a star on the field.

Having starred for school and province, it surprised exactly zero people to Banele receive a contract with the Dolphins at the conclusion of his schooling. He featured exclusively in the Dolphins Colts and Academy sides and off the back of some excellent form in the Cricket South Africa 3-day Colts competition in summer 2023-24, 230 runs @ 76.66 and 12 wickets at 18.00, he was elevated to the senior squad. Banele made his First Class debut against the Titans in November 2024, picking up a couple of wickets.

In search of more regular game time, Banele took a chance to head to Oudtshoorn and link with the Garden Route Badgers (South Western Districts). His impact was immediate, with 17 red-ball wickets in his first 5 appearances for SWD.

Seeking his first season in the UK in 2026, Banele joined Willington CC in what was a tough summer for the club. Banele carried himself well in tough times, chiming in with 348 runs to go with his 39 wickets @ 17.95 and gave the club his all both on and off the field.

Banele will be a high quality signing for any club seeking a genuine seam-bowling all-rounder for next summer. His clean striking, genuine pace and excitable personality make him a really intriguing prospect for this summer.