A solid middle-order batsman and off-spin bowler, Des Schonegevel made his first-class debut for Orange Free State in the 1954–55 season and played regularly for Orange Free State until the end of the 1964–65 season.
His highest score for Orange Free State was 151 against Border in 1963–64, made in a little over six hours,[1] and his best figures were 6 for 103 against Griqualand West in 1958–59.
Against Transvaal B in 1959–60 he scored 115, adding 280 for the third wicket with his captain, Clive Richardson, and setting a Currie Cup third-wicket record.
[6] His highest score for Griqualand West was 138 not out against Natal B, as above, and his best bowling figures were 6 for 29 against Border in 1967–68.
[7] After he retired from playing, Schonegevel became a prominent coach and administrator in Griqualand West/Northern Cape.