A proud new chapter built on two great cricketing legacies and supported by a new title sponsor.
NEWLANDS – For generations, Western Province and the Cape Cobras have each played a defining role in South African cricket.
Today, Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) officially brings those two stories together with the launch of the Western Province Cobras, a new professional identity that honours the history of both brands while creating a platform for the future.
The Western Province Cobras will unite the province’s men’s and women’s professional teams under a single identity built on excellence, ambition and a deep connection to the Cape Metropole cricket community.
Rather than choosing one legacy over another, Western Province Cricket has chosen to build on the strengths of both, ensuring that the history of Western Province and the achievements of the Cape Cobras remain central to the next chapter of professional cricket.
Faithful and forward
The Western Province Cobras identity has been built around a simple belief: great brands don’t leave their history behind, they build upon it.
Western Province remains one of the most celebrated names in South African cricket, while the Cape Cobras represented one of the most successful periods in the region’s professional history, winning multiple domestic titles during the franchise era and the hearts of local fans, the Newlands Faithful. Rather than choosing one legacy over another, the new identity brings both together.
The official team name will be Western Province Cobras, while WP Cobras becomes the team’s distinctive public-facing identity across supporter communications, merchandise and apparel. WP Cobras will also serve as the team’s primary marketing and commercial brand, creating a clear and consistent identity for supporters and partners alike.
The move also brings Western Province’s professional identity in line with South Africa’s leading domestic teams, creating a clear, distinctive brand that proudly competes alongside the likes of the Lions, Titans, Dolphins, Warriors, Knights and North West Dragons.
This brand development also coincides with the exciting announcement that YesPlay will be the new team and stadium title sponsor for the next four years. In formal press, broadcast and brand communication the team will be referred to as YesPlay WP Cobras. To this end, the team have developed a WP monogram that will remain a permanent feature of the brand, ensuring Western Province’s heritage is always represented and remains an enduring symbol of the province’s proud cricketing history.
A considered process
The new identity follows an extensive consultation process involving stakeholders from across Western Province cricket, including current players, former players, coaches, supporters, administrators, commercial partners and the media.
The consultation reaffirmed two important truths: that the Western Province name carries enormous emotional value and remains central to the region’s identity, and that the Cape Cobras established a successful and respected professional era that deserved to remain part of the story.
The visual identity reflects that thinking. While introducing a contemporary expression for the future, the logo intentionally retains the recognisable typography associated with the Cobras, with the forward-pointing “fang” giving the brand mark a modern edge and reflecting the team’s ambition to push the game and the province forward.
Corrie van Zyl, Chief Executive Officer, Western Province Cricket Association
“Western Province Cobras represents the best of where we’ve come from and where we’re going. We weren’t looking to choose between Western Province and the Cobras, we wanted to bring together the best of both traditions and create a platform for future success. We would also like to thank Civils 2000 and Much Asphalt for their support in making this brand-building project possible. We also welcome YesPlay to the team and their YesCares social outreach initiative through a four-year partnership expertly brokered by MegaPro. This is an exciting time to be part of our team!”
Johannes Adams, President, Western Province Cricket Association
“This is an important moment for Western Province Cricket. It respects our heritage while creating a modern platform that will inspire players, supporters and commercial partners for generations to come. ‘Faithful and Forward’ perfectly captures what this brand stands for: remaining proud custodians of our history while continuing to build a stronger future for cricket in the Cape Metro area.”
Ashwell Prince, Western Province and Cobras legend
“Western Province has always meant something special to generations of players. I like that this identity doesn’t forget the past. It respects the Western Province legacy, acknowledges everything the Cobras achieved during the professional era and creates something future generations will be proud to represent.”
Faye Tunnicliffe, WP Cobras Women’s batter
“Bringing our men’s and women’s teams together under one professional identity is an important step for the future of cricket in our province. It’s a brand built on heritage, but it’s also looking forward. As players, we’re proud to represent both where Western Province cricket has come from and the exciting future it is building.”
Tebogo Makamo, Chief Executive Officer of YesPlay
“Being part of this pivotal moment in the evolution of Western Province Cricket is something we’re incredibly proud of. The launch of the Western Province Cobras brings together two proud cricketing legacies, creating a bold new identity that honours the past while looking firmly to the future. For YesPlay, this partnership is an opportunity to support that ambition and help create a brand that is relevant, connected to its supporters and built for the next generation, while preserving the heritage that makes Western Province cricket so special. We’re excited to stand alongside the Western Province Cobras and create meaningful experiences for players and supporters as well as the broader cricket community with our YesCares CSI initiatives.”
Looking ahead
The YesPlay WP Cobras identity and communication will be introduced as part of the 2026/27 domestic season.
The YesPlay WP Cobras brand has been purposefully designed to provide a strong and enduring platform for future commercial partnerships while ensuring that the heritage of Western Province cricket remains permanently visible at its heart.
The launch marks the beginning of a new chapter for professional cricket in the Cape Metropole, one that honours the province’s rich history while creating opportunities for future generations of players, supporters and commercial partners.
ABOUT WESTERN PROVINCE CRICKET ASSOCIATION (WPCA)
The WPCA is the custodian of cricket in the Cape Metropole and oversees the development and promotion of the game across all levels, from grassroots participation to professional cricket (YesPlay WP Cobras). As one of South Africa’s most historic and successful cricket regions, WPCA plays a key role in hosting international matches at the iconic YesPlay Newlands Cape Town and growing the sport in the province.
For Media Enquiries:
Ayanda Frances Felem
ayandaf@cricket.co.za
