A keeper-batter from Jersey, kept for a reason
Asa Tribe was one of 17 players Paarl Royals retained for SA20 Season 5. The overseas wicketkeeper-batter plays his cricket for Jersey, and his retention shows the Royals see something in a young keeper who has come through the associate ranks — overseas places are precious, and franchises do not spend one twice on a player they do not rate.
Tribe's job is to keep wicket and add batting depth in a squad that carries four keepers. That depth means the Royals always have a gloveman ready, and a young keeper learning from Verreynne and the senior players around him.
What he brings to Paarl Royals
Paarl Royals get a keeper-batter who can bat in the middle order and keep tidily behind the stumps. Tribe's story is unusual — Jersey is not a regular stop on the franchise circuit — and that makes his retention one of the more interesting calls the Royals made.
He also gives the side cover and competition. If a keeper is injured or out of form, the Royals do not have to change their balance, and the young keepers push each other in training. That is the quiet value of a fourth keeper.
Where Paarl Royals stand
Tribe is one of the overseas players the Royals kept, in a squad that was finished before auction day. He will be part of the SA20 Season 5 squad at Boland Park in Paarl.
Paarl Royals are led by David Miller, who has captained the side since the first season, with Trevor Penney as head coach since Season 3. Their home is Boland Park in Paarl, which also hosts Qualifier 1 on 16 February. Season 5 begins on Sunday 17 January 2027, and the Royals are still chasing a first SA20 title after four seasons.
Frequently asked questions
What is Asa Tribe's role for Paarl Royals?
He is an overseas wicketkeeper-batter, retained for SA20 Season 5. He keeps wicket and bats, as part of a keeping group led by Kyle Verreynne.
Was Asa Tribe retained by Paarl Royals?
Yes. He was one of 17 players the Royals retained, so their 19-player squad was complete before the auction and they bought nobody on auction day.
When does SA20 Season 5 start?
On Sunday 17 January 2027. The opener is Sunrisers Eastern Cape against Pretoria Capitals at St George's Park, starting at 3:30 PM SAST.