Brackenfell Cricket Club have secured the services of former Bellville Cricket Club and Durbanville Cricket Club seamer Roubi Kapp, ahead of the 2018-19 Western Province Cricket Association season.
All-rounder Coenie Nel, who played for South Western Districts in the Africa T20 Cup, has also joined Brackenfell Cricket Club. The experienced Lee-Roy Walters has succeeded the retiring Wiaan Smit as captain.
File image: Coenie Nel.
Formerly of the Boland Cricket Board, Brackenfell Cricket Club were added to the Western Province Cricket Association last year, in order to comply with the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee’s geo-political boundaries.
They occupied 11th position in 2017-18’s 12-team premier league standings. A draw with Victoria Cricket Club was flanked by defeats to Cape Town Cricket Club, Bellville Cricket Club, Ottoman Cricket Club, Western Province Cricket Club, Rondebosch Cricket Club and the University of the Western Cape Cricket Club.
However, they were not demoted to the first division A, as the early end to the season due to severe water shortages in Cape Town and surrounds effectively negated promotion and relegation for all teams.
Meanwhile, the WPCA have quashed rumours that the start of the 2018-19 club season will be delayed.
Preparation of pitches and fields has been slowed due a shortage of City of Cape Town-appointed contractors at grounds in need of significant improvement after a challenging 12 months.
The WPCA submitted the first and second draft of fixtures to all clubs earlier this month. Subject to feedback, the third and final lists, including the Ama20 Competition fixtures, are anticipated before the end of September.
“Amidst the current unrest and the rumours that are making the rounds, the City of Cape Town have been experiencing delays in terms internal financial processes,” read an excerpt from last week’s WPCA email.
“The WPCA have been in continuous contact with the City of Cape Town with regards to the delay and urgent need for contractors at facilities. The WPCA and the CoCT will continue to work together to ensure that fixtures take place as per the fixture dates – and that the Ama20 Competition commences on the 13 October 2018.
“We will be meeting the City of Cape Town to discuss the challenges faced – and to ensure that we have a full season. We urge clubs to remain focussed and positive for a successful 2018-19 club cricket season.”