Piedt embarking on a new adventure
DANE Piedt has always been a trendsetter. Whether it’s a funky new hairstyle or some stylish shoes, Piedt has always been pushing the boundaries.
The 30-year-old off-spinner, though, is now taking on entirely new challenge by heading off to the United States of America to further his cricket career.
The USA Cricket Board launched a new tournament, the Minor Cricket League, in February which will comprise of 22 city-based teams, including sides from the
Bay Area, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Seattle, Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Michigan, Chicago/ St Louis, Boston, New York/New Jersey, Morrisville, Washington, Atlanta and Florida.
Piedt, who played his last of nine Tests for the Proteas just six months ago, will therefore end his decadelong association with the Cape Cobras too.
The deal was set up by former Proteas fast bowler Rusty Theron, who made his international debut for the US national team last year.
“Basically, I am just happy to have received a deal like this. It’s more a life decision I am making for my wife and I. There are loads of benefits that can come from it,” Piedt told Independent Media.
“Rusty contacted me and the conversation just went on from there. He painted a good picture. So for the next three years I am excited for a new challenge and as everyone knows I’ve always swam up stream.”
Piedt’s loss will be most felt by the Cobras. He was the country’s standout first-class bowler in the 2018/19 season when he claimed a record 54 wickets, which earned him a recall to the Proteas for last season’s tour to India.
He has also been momentous in leading a young Cobras team for the past three seasons, helping rookies such as Janneman Malan, Kyle Verreynne, George Linde and Zubayr Hamza all realise their dreams of playing for the Proteas.
“The Cobras will always have a special place in my heart. Having being the captain of the franchise for three and a half years and leaving my mark in the Cape will make me very proud for a long time,” Piedt said.
“I played with some seriously talented cricket players and having them turned into friends can’t be any better. I am grateful to all the coaches I have played under at the Cobras as they have all helped me to become the cricketer I am today.”
The Cobras will definitely have a new-look next season. Besides the departure of Piedt, they have already lost seamers Thando Ntini and Lizaad Williams (both Titans), Tladi Bokako (Lions) while Rory Kleinveldt (retired) and Vernon Philander (Kolpak) are also not available any longer.
At the moment the only confirmed arrival at Newlands for the 2020/21 season is promising young batsman Tony de Zorzi from the Titans, while the seam department could possibly be boosted with Calvin Savage and Corbin Bosch being linked to the Cobras.