DURBAN – Morne van Wyk has decided to step down as Dolphins skipper, and hand over the reins to Khaya Zondo, who has led the side in their last two Sunfoil Series matches.
Van Wyk, who has led the franchise since arriving from the Knights four seasons ago, made it clear that the decision is no way linked to his future at the Dolphins.
"I am hopefully going to be around for another two or three seasons," he said reassuringly.
What the veteran keeper/batsman is excited to see over the next year or so is Zondo shaping the team into his own identity as a leader.
The early signs, he said, are very promising.
"He is a natural. I have been excited about his leadership potential for a while now, and this is an opportunity for him to start working with the coach right away," Van Wyk explained.
" It is just a natural progression. And I think it is important to have these succession plans. I feel that I have laid a foundation and, as with all leadership, it is now up to someone else to build on that and take it further."
That someone is Zondo, who the now former captain said he was more than happy to guide and advise over the settling in period.
"If he needs advice, I will be a shoulder to lean on, but it is his ship to run now. He must imprint his personality on the team."
Van Wyk, mindful of Zondo''s growing stock in the national scene, added that he would be available to help out if Zondo was called up to a national side, and that he was also available to lead a franchise in the much-anticipated T20 Global League that will be launched next season.
But, in Dolphins colours, he is ready to play the role of old pro now, keeping wicket, scoring runs, and giving pieces of advice to his skipper between overs.
It is a new era at Kingsmead, and Zondo's first official assingment will be the Momentum One Day Cup, which starts on Friday.
Zondo and his team begin their campaign in Pretoria, when they visit the Titans.