Coetzee fits the bill for Thorverton says skip
THORVERTON are poised to welcome South African batter Brendan Coetzee as their overseas player for the season ahead.
There are some visa formalities to finalise before Coetzee can travel from the Western Cape to Devon, but Thorverton skipper Jake Choules is confident the 19-year-old will arrive in time for the pre-season friendly against Heathcoat in late April.
Thorverton’s campaign in the Devon Cricket League A Division gets under way on May 4 with a home game against Plymouth.
Coetzee turns out for Paarl, for whom he cracked 72 on his firstteam debut in the Boland Premier
League in November. He spent four months during 2022 on a scholarship at Stowe School in Buckinghamshire, for whom he made 35 appearances.
Choules said Thorverton have a preferred profile for overseas players and Coetzee fits the bill.
“Brendan will be similar to our last few overseas players, batting in the top order and bolstering the bowling attack,” said Choules.
“He is a hard-hitting, top-order bat with experience playing in the UK, which is similar to our last few overseas players, so I’m looking forward to seeing him in action.
“As in previous years, Brendan will not only be part of the first XI, but will also be heavily involved in the coaching of our junior section.
The captain added: “Brendan will be a great addition to the club for both for senior and junior setups.”
Thorverton’s last South African import was Jason van der Meulen, who made 672 league runs at an average in the mid-40s during the 2022 season.
“A similar outcome great,” said Choules.
Coetzee takes over from Queenslander Jack Geraghty, who notched nearly 500 A Division runs last summer.
Coetzee is the only significant new face at Thorverton this season.
Gone from last season’s squad is Billy Wakeley, who has re-joined Bradninch & Kentisbeare.
Thorverton commence outdoor training this Thursday (April 4) at 6pm.
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