Veteran limited overs specialist Herschelle Gibbs has not been contracted by the Cape Cobras for next season, and his association with Western Cape cricket could be at an end after 21 years.
Gibbs did not feature much for the Cobras last season, having picked up an injury during the One-Day Cup eventually won by the franchise, and then only playing a couple of matches in the T20 Challenge when the side could not successfully defend its title.
Gibbs had been away playing in the Bangladesh domestic T20 competition for the first half of the SA equivalent, and was dropped after a couple of matches back in the Cape.
Features of next season’s group are a new face in batsman Qaasim Adams, who played for the Impi in the T20 Challenge, and the regaining of his contract by another batsman Alistair Gray. Gray earned the upgrade on the strength of a brilliant bowling performance as a leg-spinner in the T20 Challenge, claiming a franchise-best 16 wickets in the tournament.
Also making a return to the Cobras’ squad is fast bowler Monde Zondeki, who was not contracted by any franchise last season. He will bolster the seam department, which comprises Rory Kleinveldt, Charl Langeveldt, Johann Louw, Beuran Hendricks and Justin Kemp. Backing this up, on a rookie contract, is 18-year-old Lizaad Williams, a Bolander who played for the SA Schools side in 2010.
Encouraging news is that top-order batsmen Stiaan van Zyl and Yaseen Vallie have opted to remain with the Cobras. Both had been rumoured to be thinking of moving elsewhere in search of more playing opportunities.
Cape Cobras contracted players: Qaasim Adams, Beuran Hendricks, Alistair Gray, Justin Kemp, Rory Kleinveldt, Charl Langeveldt, Richard Levi, Johann Louw, Justin Ontong, Andrew Puttick, Yaseen Vallie, Stiaan van Zyl, Dane Vilas, Monde Zondeki
Rookies: Dane Piedt, Siya Simetu, Lizaad Williams
SA contracted players: Mark Boucher, JP Duminy, Jacques Kallis, Robin Peterson, Vernon Philander, Graeme Smith, Dale Steyn
Semi-pro contracts (two more to be finalised): Johan Bothma, Matthew Kleinveldt, Michael Pote, Omphile Ramela, Michael Rippon – Cape Argus