'Bamanye Xenxe an exciting all-rounder in the Andile Phehlukwayo mould'

Mpumalanga have named Gordon Matheson head coach ahead of South Africa’s 2021-22 domestic season.

Lucas Manzini will be Matheson’s assistant coach.

“I’m massively excited for this opportunity. I’ve been a consultant coach with the team for a few years, so I’m not coming in out of the blue. I have solid working relationships with the players,” Matheson told Club Cricket SA.

File image: Gordon Matheson.

Mpumalanga’s list of contracted players includes wicketkeeper-batsman Rubin Hermann and batsman Yassar Cook, who have ave arrived from Northerns and North West, respectively.

“Having Rubin come to us is a big boost. The experience and talent he’ll bring will be important,” added Matheson.

“Bamanye Xenxe is an exciting all-rounder in the Andile Phehlukwayo mould. Benjamin van Niekerk is a big-hitter and can bring a lot of value.”

Mpumalanga have been placed in the second division of the country’s new domestic structure, which will revert to provincial competition later this year. Franchise cricket in South Africa has been dissolved.

“This is what CSA have decided and we will go with it. We respect the process and will do our best in the coming years. From there, we’ll see,” concluded Matheson.

“All of us at Mpumalanga are fully aware of what we need to do in order to push for promotion to division one.”