North West sign ‘very unorthodox bowler’ and lose retiring batsman

Craig Alexander cricketCraig Alexander.

North West have signed seamer Alfred Mothoa ahead of the 2025-26 domestic season in South Africa.

Mothoa has moved to North West from the Warriors. He has also played for the Knights and Titans.

“I’m happy that we’ve signed Alfred. We always speak about improving each year, and adding him to our armoury is definitely a step in the right direction,” North West head coach Craig Alexander told OFM.

“He is a very unorthodox bowler and a top professional both on and off the field. We’re really happy and grateful to have Alfred in our changing room.

“We wish him all the best, and we’re confident we’ll work well together during the pre-season so that, come the start of the new campaign, he’ll be ready and raring to go in the Dragons’ colours. We’re really looking forward to having him here.

“What we do know is that we’ve achieved a lot this past season. With the squad we’ve put together, we’ve focused on executing our skills and plans properly. The results didn’t always go our way, but we’ll come back stronger.”

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Meanwhile, North West batsman Matthew Kleinveldt has retired from professional cricket.

Kleinveldt played 139 first-class fixtures across a 15-year career. His career started at Western Province and ended at North West. He also represented the Titans and Knights.

“First and foremost, it has been a very difficult decision to give up the game,” Kleinveldt told OFM.

“It has been a lifelong dream of mine to possibly one day play for the Proteas, but I had to look at things realistically. Having kids and needing to provide for them going forward made what was a tough call a little easier.

“I’ll definitely look back with fond memories, not just of the innings I played, but of the people I played with. To be honest with you, the team-mates, the shared moments will stick with me more than the numbers.

“Leaving friends behind in the industry and not getting to compete against them anymore is something I’ll miss dearly. But I believe it’s the right time for me to hang up my boots and embrace a new lifestyle – one where I get to see my family more often, which is my main priority right now.”

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