Top-order batsman and slow left-arm orthodox bowler Brand is another of the talents to emerge from the University of Pretoria cricket pipeline, but his story is rather different to many of his peers in that he has actually returned to South Africa from England.

Brand was born in Johannesburg but went to high school at King’s College in Taunton and played for the Somerset and Glamorgan 2^nd XIs, while he hoped to qualify for British citizenship. Visa problems dashed that plan and he returned to South Africa in time to play for Tuks in the 2017/18 season, where he quickly marked himself out as a future star.

He was the leading run-scorer, man of the match in the final and player of the tournament as he led Tuks to the Varsity Cup title, repeating the exact same achievements when they won the National Club Championships. Player of the tournament in the SA Universities Week was another accolade Brand picked up.

Although he has played just the one game for the Titans, he is sure to get another chance in the near future.