A right-handed batter and right-arm fast bowler, Andile Simelane has been hailed as a genuine South African all-rounder who brings energy and balance to every side he plays for.

Simelane’s journey began in KwaZulu-Natal schools cricket, where he quickly earned a reputation for his fearless batting and sharp seam bowling. His ability to take on responsibility at a young age saw him progress rapidly through the provincial age-group system. By just the age of 16, he made his List A debut for KwaZulu-Natal Inland in January 2020, signalling the arrival of a promising all-rounder.

The 2003-born cricketer gained further recognition during the CSA Provincial T20 Knock-Out competition, where his clean hitting and lively pace made him stand out. His performances secured him a place in South Africa’s squad for the 2022 ICC Under-19 World Cup in the West Indies, where he impressed with his athletic fielding and ability to adapt under pressure. He took four wickets in six games as South Africa reached the quarter-finals before they were knocked out by England. 

Simelane made his first-class debut for the Dolphins in February 2023 and has steadily grown into the longer format. One of his breakthrough moments came for the South Africa Emerging side, where he blasted a counterattacking 110 off 70 balls against Zimbabwe Emerging, rescuing his team from a difficult position. That innings highlighted his temperament and natural stroke play.

In 2023, Simelane’s rising stock earned him an SA20 rookie contract. As part of the Durban Super Giants franchise, he gained valuable experience in South Africa’s premier T20 league, rubbing shoulders with senior international players. Next year, he moved to the Sunrisers Eastern Cape. However, he played his first-ever SA20 game only in 2025. 

By 2024, his consistent domestic form was rewarded with a maiden call-up to the senior Proteas ODI and T20 squads. The youngster received a call from the then Proteas limited-overs coach, Rob Walter, who informed him that he would be part of the Proteas ODI and T20I squads travelling to the UAE for a series against Afghanistan and Ireland.

"Then, when he told me that I was going to be part of the squad that was going to the UAE I was surprised, and I didn't know how to express my feelings because I was alone at home at the time...So, I didn't know what to do, should I call my mom, or should I tell my friend? But I was happy to get a call like that, I'm not going to lie," Simelane said in an interview. 

He made his T20I debut against India in his hometown, Durban, in November 2024. In that game, he achieved a rare feat of hitting a six off his first ball in the debut match. 

During his time at the Dolphins, the Durban-born player worked closely with Proteas all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo, whom he also idolises.

With his dynamic all-round skills, SA20 exposure, and international breakthrough, Andile Simelane is seen as a future mainstay of South Africa’s white-ball cricket.

(As of September 2025)