The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Shire’s game of new faces as they ring changes for new season
Difficult early schedule but reason for optimism at Mannofield
A new season brings new faces to Aberdeenshire.
Shire have a new professional in the form of South African Lesiba Chris Ngoepe, who replaces Harsha Cooray at Mannofield. Cooray had been professional at the club since 2012.
Joining Ngoepe, 24, is amateur Jarod van Blerk, 19, and new coach, former Scotland international David Cox, 44.
Club captain Chris Venske said: “I know guys who have played with Lesiba at Warriors in South Africa and they’ve given him good references. He’s a top-order batsman and a left-handed spin bowler.
“Jarod, who is Zimbabwean born but schooled in South African, is a lower order batsman and left arm medium-fast opening bowler. We’ve focused on strengthening our bowling attack for this season as Tyler Buchan has packed it in due to family commitments.
“We’ve got a local bowling attack and Lesiba and Jarod can help add some depth to it.
“Having David Cox on board as head coach has also really helped us and he is already doing very well with all the teams. I’m looking forward to working with him this season, as all the players are, and I haven’t given up trying to convince him to turn out for us.
“His focus is on coaching but it’s clear he could still do a very good job at club level.”
Ngoepe arrived in Aberdeen this week in time for the new season and it is one Venske believes his club can approach with optimism.
Cricket Scotland has reverted to a traditional Scottish Cup, meaning clubs will start the campaign on league duty this weekend.
Shire start the new Eastern Premiership campaign at Forfarshire tomorrow and Venkse, who will be assisted by new vice-captain Graeme Tomlinson, said: “It’s a great deck to start the season on but it’s as tough a start as we could ask for.
“Forfarshire are looking very strong this year and they will be one of the teams to beat in the league.
“We’ve got a full strength squad and it will be a great early gauge of where we are at and what we are capable of this summer.
“We feel we’ve done well during the winter months and we’ve put in the hard work to ensure we are ready for the new season.
“I believe we’re ready. We played pre-season friendlies against Kelburne and Clydesdale at the weekend and everyone got game time so we’re ready.”