THE bizhub Highveld Lions squad met recently to signal the start of the 2014 off-season period.
Having committed to let the past season’s disappointment not determine the way forward, the team has come together to do the hard yards in preparation for the coming season.
Head Coach Geoffrey Toyana acknowledged the lessons that the team has learnt as a unit. “Each one is taking responsibility for the role that he has to play in the side, and we have taken the past season on the chin. We are, however, determined to rewrite our legacy and ensure that we play in a manner that honours the badge and our fans,” said Toyana.
Greg Fredericks, Chief Executive, has seen the preparation for the off-season period as valuable time spent. “Unfortunately sometimes the lessons that you learn most from are from your failures or mistakes. The coaching staff and management have spent a massive amount of time preparing for the off-season, and I am confident that this will lay a good foundation for the season ahead.
“I am also very excited about the two new additions in Devon Conway, who was appointed as CSA Provincial One Day Cricketer of the Year, and Kagiso Rabada, who played a significant role for South Africa in the ICC u.19 World Cup. They add an exciting element to an already strong squad,” Fredericks said.
The bizhub Highveld Lions Board has also confirmed the leadership for the side for the 2014/15 season. Stephen Cook has been appointed as Captain of the Sunfoil Series and the Momentum One Day Cup. Neil McKenzie will be Captain for the RAM SLAM T20 Challenge and Temba Bavuma has been appointed as Vice-Captain for all three formats.
The bizhub Highveld Lions squad for the 2014/15 season is as follows:
Temba Bavuma (Vice Captain) Gulam Bodi
Devon Conway
Stephen Cook (Captain: Momentum One Day Cup and Sunfoil Series)
Dominic Hendricks
Eddie Leie
Pumelela Matshikwe
Neil McKenzie (Captain: RAM SLAM T20 Challenge)
Christopher Morris
Brett Pelser
Aaron Phangiso
Shaylen Pillay
Dwaine Pretorius
Kagiso Rabada
Jean Symes
Thami Tsolekile
Rassie van der Dussen
Hardus Viljoen
CSA Contracted Players:
Quinton de Kock
Alviro Petersen
Lonwabo Tsotsobe
