Dolphins include KP factor in 2016/17 T20 plans
Sunfoil Dolphins have re-signed global T20 star Kevin Pietersen for the upcoming RAM Slam T20 Challenge.
THE Sunfoil Dolphins have re-signed global T20 star Kevin Pietersen for the upcoming RAM Slam T20 Challenge, adding a fresh injection of energy as the franchise prepares for the 2016/17 domestic cricket season.
Pietersen has signed a five-match deal that will see him represent the KZN franchise in the second half of the round robin stage and will also turn out for the Dolphins in the playoff and final should the team progress to the knockout phase of the competition.
“I’m as excited as anything to have signed with the Dolphins again. I had such a wonderful season with them last season and I really enjoyed the team, the camaraderie and the competition so it was a very easy decision to sign again for this season’s T20 competition. It will be great to getting back onto the cricket field again and I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone in Durban again as well. Here’s to a successful campaign!” said Pietersen.
While disappointed to see Sunfoil Dolphins CEO, Pete de Wet’s time in charge of the KZN franchise draw to a close shortly, Pietersen is relishing the opportunity of working with newly appointed head coach, Grant Morgan again.
“I was privileged enough to spend some time with Kevin during my time at Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL back in 2009. He was captain of that side and made an indelible impact on all the players, especially the youngsters. Its great to have Kevin coming back and playing for the Dolphins again this season. He is a world class player in all formats of the game and in T20 he is no doubt one of the best there has ever been,” said Morgan.
Outgoing CEO, De Wet is another thrilled by Pietersen’s return and believes his inclusion in the squad’s T20 plans will yield positive results for the franchise.
“I’m extremely pleased we’ve been able to sign Kevin to the Sunfoil Dolphins again for this season’s RAM Slam T20 Challenge. He added immense value to our franchise last year and having a guy like him around can only do wonders for the Dolphins again this time around. We got very close to winning the T20 competition last year but unfortunately weren’t able to get over the line against the Titans in the final; hopefully having KP around again this year can help us achieve part of what we’re trying to achieve as a franchise this season,” said De Wet.
De Wet is also confident the remainder of the Dolphins squad has what it takes to achieve the franchise’s goals for 2016/17 and wishes the players and coaching staff well for their upcoming campaign.
