LOST AND FOUND
11 Apr 2012
Patrick Compton
THE Dolphins have made two major signings for next season, batsman Jonathan Vandiar and paceman Craig Alexander, both from the Lions. On the other hand, they have almost certainly lost their prize leg-spinner, Imran Tahir, who has shifted in the opposite direction.There is also a strong possibility that Proteas and Warriors paceman Lonwabo Tsotsobe will be joining the Dolphins, although this has yet to be confirmed....
...Vandiar, who turns 22 this month, is a former Durban High School pupil. He played for the Lions for the last four years after making his first-class debut for the Dolphins in 2007/8.He left Durban that winter, saying he wanted to develop under the guidance of former Proteas coach Ray Jennings. It’s been an open secret this year that the talented left-hand batsman had negotiated his return to his home province.The Dolphins’ other signing is 25-year-old Craig Alexander, who was born in Cape Town and began his career for Western Province. He joined the Lions in 2007/8, and has been hobbled by injuries for long periods since then. He played for SA A against Zimbabwe in July last year.
A 17-man squad was released by the union yesterday. CEO Jesse Chellan commented: “This is a youthful squad with immense potential. “The new squad is in line with our strategy to develop youngsters into a winning Dolphins team. “With the high number of matches affected by the rain, it has been difficult to assess our progress this season, but young players like Kyle Abbott, Cody Chetty, Divan van Wyk, Khaya Zondo, David Miller and Mthokozisi Shezi have all produced match-winning performances.” Chellan said it was still the union’s intention to recruit overseas professionals to add the necessary experience to the squad. Opening batsman Loots Bosman, who turns 35 this week, has not been contracted after a poor season.Meanwhile, former Proteas fast bowler Friedel de Wet, 31, who played for the Dolphins last season, has announced his retirement.
Chellan said he hoped to finalise a number of semi-pro contracts soon, with players like Tabraiz Shamsi, Matt Hewlett, Devon Conway, Glen Addicott and Chad Fortune possible contenders.The Dolphins have also advertised for a full-time head coach. The deadline for applications is Friday, April 20.
Squad (in alphabetical order): Kyle Abbott, Craig Alexander, Ahmed Amla, Cody Chetty, Cameron Delport, Robbie Frylinck, Imraan Khan, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Dane Paterson, Mthokosizi Shezi, Daryn Smit, Vaughn van Jaarsveld, Divan van Wyk, Jonathan Vandiar, Khaya Zondo, Prenelan Subrayen (rookie contract).