South Africa’s Zubayr Hamza. Photo: AFP
Proteas batsman quits WP for Lions
Proteas batsman Zubayr Hamza will fly north to spend the next phase of his career playing for the Central Gauteng Lions.
South Africa’s Zubayr Hamza. Photo: AFP
Proteas batsman Zubayr Hamza will fly north to spend the next phase of his career playing for the Central Gauteng Lions.
Lions CEO Jono-Leaf-Wright confirmed the news. And also added that pace bowler Tshepo Moreki will join him as second recruit from Western Province.
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Hamza will add value
“Zubayr will add great value to our environment,” Lions CEO Jono-Leaf-Wright told TimesLive. “He is obviously a highly-skilled batter, but he will also add value in terms of the calmness and leadership he will provide in our unit.
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“Look, mistakes happen and as long as people learn from them, then I’m fine and feel they deserve another chance. Zubayr fits that,” Leaf-Wright said.
Hamza was previously banned from all cricket for nine months after he tested positive for Furosemide – a masking agent.
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The talented middle order batsman was a stalwart in Cape Town and his runs made him noticed by the national selectors.
Hamza has made six Test and featured in a single ODI fixture for the Proteas.
He has since been overtaken by now former teammate Tony de Zorzi in the middle order for the Proteas.
Proteas to compete at domestic level
The Lions have moved quickly to add Hamza to their batting lineup with current Lions star player Ryan Rickelton likely to be on national duty more often. It is interesting that Hamza has opted to join the Lions knowing that Rickelton is most likely the player he will need to remove from the Proteas lineup if he is to return to the national setup.
Moreki took 16 wickets in last season’s domestic 4-Day campaign and he will be covering for Sisanda Magala, who has seen his form with the Proteas continue to improve.
