Cobras call up Njoloza and Kleinveldt for four-day action

MPILO NJOLOZA and Matthew Kleinveldt will be the two new names in the Cobras side this weekend as the Cape side look to end the four-day series on a positive note.

With the Cobras needing a win to climb off the foot of the log, coach Paul Adams has decided to use the final game of the season, an away clash against the Dolphins, as a chance to bring in some new blood.

“The match in Maritzburg will be a chance for us to bring some new faces into the squad so Mpilo Njoloza will be coming in for (Mthokozisi) Shezi and Matthew Kleinveldt will also be coming in. Stiaan (van Zyl) picked up a bit of a calf strain in the last match, so that has opened the door for Matthew,” said Adams. Other changes to the side will see spinner Dane Piedt come in for Rory Kleinveldt, while Robin Peterson will also make way for left-arm spin bowler GF Linde.

“We are always keeping an eye on the younger guys and looking to give them chances whenever we can. For us it is good because we have such a huge talent pool to choose from and it is also encouraging for the players to know that if they perform well then they will get a chance.”

Njoloza made his WP debut in a first-class match last month and made quite an impact – the 26-yearold left-arm quick took eight wickets in a victory over KZN Inland.

Matthew Kleinveldt, 25, cousin of Rory, has been a mainstay in the WP top-order since making his debut in 2010 and he could make his debut as opener alongside Andrew Puttick.

Left-hander Kleinveldt has been in good form this season, scoring five half-centuries for WP in five threeday matches. Overall he has played 57 first-class matches, scoring 3 125 runs with a highest score of 170.

The Titans will be without last week’s double-centurion Dean Elgar (mild concussion) against the Knights at Centurion.