Matthew de Villiers

Matthew de Villiers is a highly promising young cricketer from Cape Town in South Africa. A stylish right-hander, Matthew progressed through the prestigious Wynberg Boys High School, a renowned South African Cricket School and the former School of Jacques Kallis & Allan Lamb. Matthew made his debut in the School’s 1st XI in grade 10 as a 15-year old and in his final year at the school in 2018, was 1st XI Captain, a very prestigious honour. He is also the nephew of former South African International and Netherfield CC Pro, Pieter Strydom.

Described by his early coaches as a “busy cricketer”, Matthew plays an attacking middle order role and looks to rotate the strike and build his innings by continually keeping the scoreboard ticking, not necessarily through smashing the ball to all parts but by punching gaps and running hard. Matthew is also an electric fielder and can cover all positions, equally comfortable in the slips as he is in the deep. Former coach Oscar Nauhaus commented that he is one of the best schoolboy fielders he had ever seen, with not just the ability to catch but anticipate and utilise a powerful and accurate throwing arm. He is also a handy medium/fast seamer or off-spinner.

Former Wynberg Director of Cricket, Andrew Wylie, comments that his natural leadership, calm demeanour and work ethic are his admirable traits and he has been a great influence on his charges as 1st XI captain and a long term member of the School’s 1st XI.

In summer 2019, Matthew joined Oakmere CC in the UKFast Cheshire Cricket League and put in a commendable first UK stint, scoring 544 runs @ 28.13 with a best of 115 (89) against Barnton CC. Matthew also chipped in with 15 wickets @ 13.47 with a match-winning 5-19 against Lymm Oughtrington CC his best return. On his return to South Africa, he hit blistering form, scoring 924 runs @ 61.60 with 3 hundreds including a best of 147 (94) vs Rondebosch CC.

Matthew returned to the UK in 2022, linking with Hambledon CC in the ECB Southern Premier League Div 2 and was at his prolific best, scoring 1295 runs @ 92.50 with a best of 168. He also chipped in with 28 wickets. He carried his form into the WPCA Premier League season with 762 runs @ 58.61 in the 2022-23 summer.

He returned to England in 2023, bagging 1532 runs/46 wickets for Longridge in the ECB Northern Premier League and was on the continent for 2024, joining mates at HBS in The Netherlands, scoring 740 runs @ 38.95 to go with 22 wickets.

Having earned a Warriors contract for summer 2024-25, Matt made his Professional debut in October 2024, scoring 94 & 58 against the North West Dragons in a classy debut, facing up to some of South Africa’s best.

Keen to return to the UK next summer, Matthew will be an excellent pick up for any UK club seeking one of the most prolific UK performers available who can also contribute with the ball. Matt has his own accommodation in London.