Q&A: South Africa Men's Captain, Jose Van Der Berg

Jason Toi: Jose, thank you from me for your time. How have preparations been and how have you found Sri Lanka so far?

Jose Van Der Berg: Thanks, Jase, I appreciate it. Preparations have been intense but very rewarding - the boys have really bought in, and I think the energy in the group is brilliant. As for Sri Lanka, it’s a beautiful place. The hospitality has been incredible, the food is outstanding, and the conditions are definitely unique compared to what we’re used to back home. It’s humid, it’s hot, but that’s part of the challenge and part of the fun of a world event.

JT: Congratulations on being named skipper of South Africa. What does leadership mean to you and what skills are vital in being a skipper of an indoor cricket side?

JV: It’s an honour I don’t take lightly. Leadership in indoor cricket is about more than just tactics - it’s about keeping calm in the chaos. Indoor is fast, it’s intense, and one mistake can swing the momentum. So for me, leadership is about composure, clear communication, and leading by example. Skills like adaptability, empathy with your teammates, and a willingness to put the team above yourself are vital.

JT: We’ve seen Junior Dala bowl thunderbolts and Rudy Greyling spin webs in past tournaments. Are there any players to watch this time round?

JV: Absolutely. We have got some exciting bowlers coming through who I think will surprise people. Without giving too much away, there are a couple of youngsters who bowl with real pace and aggression - they remind me of Dala in his prime. And we have also got some crafty spinners who will thrive in these slower conditions.

JT: You have eight debutants for this World Cup campaign. What has been your key message to the group so far?

JV: The key message is simple: trust your game and trust the team. Playing your first World Cup match can be overwhelming, but if you focus on your role and stay in the moment, the rest takes care of itself. We have encouraged the debutants to bring their natural energy and flair - they’re not here to be passengers, they’re here to make an impact.

JT: The South Africa-New Zealand rivalry is legendary. Are you looking forward to facing the Kiwis?

JV: Oh, 100%. There’s nothing like South Africa vs New Zealand, whether it’s rugby, cricket, or indoor. We respect them enormously, but it’s always a fiery contest. 2022 was an absolute nail-biter. I can’t wait for that clash.

JT: The second-ball rule is new to this World Cup. How do you think it will impact teams, and will the Sri Lankan climate wear players down?

JV: The second-ball rule will put batters under more pressure, no doubt, and I think we’ll see teams experimenting with different combinations. It might encourage batters to be more proactive as well. The Sri Lankan condition will test the squad’s conditioning.

JT: What is your pre-match routine — any favourite song or superstition?

JV: I try to keep it simple. A good stretch, a few minutes of quiet breathing, and then some high-energy music to get the blood flowing. I don’t have a strict superstition.

JT: What are your thoughts on the U-Pro Club World Series and is a Club World Cup possible?

JV: I think it’s a fantastic initiative. Indoor needs global platforms beyond just international tournaments, and club cricket is the heartbeat of the sport. A Club World Cup is absolutely possible — it just needs the right structures and funding. It would give players another chance to test themselves against the best in the world.

JT: Finally, you have very passionate supporters at home. What is your message to them?

JV: My message is: thank you. Your support means everything to us. Every message, every word of encouragement lifts us more than you know. We’re proud to represent you, and we’ll do everything we can to make you proud in return.

Image: Facebook: South Africa Men’s Indoor Cricket