United Cricket Club name new WPCA first division A captain

Mujahid BehardienUnited Cricket Club's Mujahid Behardien finished second only to Green Point Cricket Club's Zac Elkin.

The talented Mujahid Behardien has been named captain, ahead of United Cricket Club’s 2017-18 Western Province Cricket Association first division A campaign.

Behardien will succeed the outgoing Muneer Alexander, as United Cricket Club target improvement on a fourth-place finish in 2016-17, after four victories in nine attempts. They had been relegated from premier league at the end of the 2015-16 season.

“You need to be versatile, so there isn’t one particular style that I would employ as a captain. At times, you need to be aggressive and go for the killer blow, while other times you need to be more strategic by accepting that the opposition has the momentum,” said Behardien.

“At that stage of the game, it is essential to minimise the damage as far as possible. Hopefully, I can bring some fire and controlled aggression back into the team and club. In saying that, there is one thing that we undoubtedly already have – and that is a hunger for success.”

Meanwhile, former Montrose Cricket Club and Ottoman Cricket Club batsman Qaasim Adams has returned to United Cricket Club.

Adams, who has played franchise cricket for the Titans, Warriors, Lions and Cape Cobras, was contracted by the latter earlier this year – and will rejoin the club he played for as a teenager.

“Qaasim is a living example of how close everyone is to playing at the next level. He will add a lot of value from both a mentorship and player perspective,” added wicketkeeper-batsman Behardien, who played 15 first-class matches for Western Province between 2010 and 2015.

“I feel they can bring out the best in each individual – and I think there are a few surprises in store this season.”

United Cricket Club’s WPCA first division A campaign will get underway against Avendale Cricket Club on 21 and 28 October – and will be followed by a challenging fixture against newcomers Kraaifontein Cricket Club on 4 and 11 November.