The Central Gauteng Lions Union will conduct an internal inquiry after all-rounder Beyers Swanepoel left a One-Day Cup final match on Sunday to catch a flight to England.
Beyers Swanepoel Leaves Match Early
Swanepoel abruptly left the field around the 43rd over, after completing his 10-over spell, and drove to the airport. The Lions were forced to finish the closely contested match against the Titans with only 10 players, as umpires denied their request for a substitute fielder.
The Titans won the match by three wickets.
Central Gauteng Lions CEO, Jono Leaf-Wright, confirmed a full inquiry would take place. He stated he was unaware of the reasons for Swanepoel’s departure until after the match concluded.
“I’m just extremely disappointed with Beyers,” Leaf-Wright said. “This is not the kind of conduct we as the Lions expect from our players. He has let down his teammates and the union.”
Reports indicate that Swanepoel’s teammates were unaware he was leaving early for a flight. Captain Bjorn Fortuin believed Swanepoel left due to injury.
Fortuin engaged in discussions with the Lions bench and the umpires regarding a substitute fielder, but the request was denied.
The Lions coaching staff reportedly learned of Swanepoel’s plans on the morning of the match, believing he would depart at 7 p.m., not two hours earlier. Head coach Russell Domingo was not present, having departed for England on Saturday to begin his role with Hampshire in the County Championship, a departure agreed upon weeks prior.
Swanepoel, who joined the union at the beginning of the 2025/26 season from the Eastern Province Warriors, has a contract with Worcestershire. The County Championship begins on Friday, with Worcestershire facing Derbyshire.
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