The Herald (South Africa)

Captaincy dream comes true for Lions’ Bavuma

- Mahlatse Mphahlele

A new era is taking shape at the Highveld Lions after Proteas test middle-order batsman Temba Bavuma was named captain ahead of the coming season. Lions chief executive Greg Fredericks said top-rated batsman Rassie van der Dussen would serve as vice-captain.

“We have been announcing a lot of changes of late and the team’s on-field leadership is the most recent decision by the board to achieve the objectives we have set out for ourselves‚” Fredericks said.

“Both Temba and Rassie have immense leadership skills that we strongly believe are the right combinatio­n when it comes to the execution of the team’s preparatio­n‚ and also in guiding the team culture.

“We are set on securing silverware in the next season and with the team leadership in place‚ we can now start taking the next steps towards that.”

Bavuma said he hoped to set an example to the players.

“I have always been eager to achieve this at some point and am grateful that the board has seen it fitting to give me this opportunit­y now‚” he said.

“Being back at the Lions has been phenomenal and now I will play a bigger role.”

The Lions announced a number of changes last month‚ which included the appointmen­t of Enoch Nkwe as coach and the arrival of new players such as Migael Pretorius‚ Kagiso Rapulana‚ Malusi Siboto and Ryan Rickleton. –

 ?? Picture: SYDNEY SESHIBEDI/GALLO IMAGES ?? MOVING UP: Proteas player Temba Bavuma has been named as captain of the Highveld Lions for the coming season
Picture: SYDNEY SESHIBEDI/GALLO IMAGES MOVING UP: Proteas player Temba Bavuma has been named as captain of the Highveld Lions for the coming season

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