Lizaad Williams hopes a move closer to home will revive his Proteas ambitions.

The seamer has joined Boland after missing out on a CSA national contract for the 2026-27 season, bringing an end to a six-year stint with the Northerns Titans.

The move marks a return to familiar surroundings for the 32-year-old.

“I’ve always wanted to move back home, and I did inform the Titans about my intentions … even last season. I’m originally from the Boland region,” Williams told SportsBoom.co.za.

Family played a key role in the decision.

“For me it was an option between Boland and Western Province, just to be closer to home. My wife sacrificed a lot to make my dreams a possibility. We wanted my wife to chase her dreams as well.”

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Williams leaves the Titans with fond memories, having used the platform to break into the Proteas set-up.

“I have been six years at the Titans and only have high praise for the franchise. They gave me a chance to grow and play on a regular basis, which enabled me to chase my lifelong dream to represent the Proteas.”

However, he admitted the timing felt right to move on.

“I’m sad to leave, but Gauteng was always a means to an end for me. I never saw myself living there long-term, and I felt it was the right time to move.”

Williams’ omission from CSA’s latest contract list follows a difficult period after surgery.

“I had a big operation in October 2024 and since then my form has fluctuated too much. That had a big role in me losing out on my CSA contract.

“They did contact me [to say] that I won’t be having another contract. Obviously, it’s not nice and you don’t wish for it to happen to anyone.”

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Despite the setback, his international ambitions remain.

“I still have the ambition to play for the Proteas. I’m going to give it my all – that I can promise.”

Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images