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Warriors sign two SA Under-19s
22/04/2008 15:37 - (SA)
Johannesburg - Two players who shone during the recent ICC Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia - Wayne Parnell and Jon-Jon Smuts - have been rewarded with contracts with the Warriors franchise for the 2008/2009 season.
Parnell, who captained the South African Under-19 team, and Smuts are among five young players who have been given contracts. The others are Riaan Jeggels, Michael Smith and Juan "Rusty" Theron.
HD Ackerman, who was part of the 2007/2008 squad, has moved to Durban to join the Dolphins. Nantie Hayward is playing in the Indian Cricket League and is thus not eligible to play for the Warriors, and Colin Ingam's contract was not renewed.
"Cricket Eastern Cape have started the process of building the Warriors into a squad that is respected around the country. "Although we have won no trophies as yet, there is no doubt that our standing in SA Cricket has improved immeasurably," said chief executive Dave Emslie.
"The two second positions in the SuperSport Series and MTN Domestic Championship were tangible evidence of this progress.
" In contracting the 2008/9 squad we were very careful to ensure the squad maintained a balance between youth and experience. This we have done - ensuring the young players we have been nurturing are given an opportunity to grow further within the professional environment.
Ensure continued growth
"We are also looking at our senior players to play a more assertive role on the field and with respect to teaching the up and coming youngsters what professional cricket is all about," added Emslie.
"We are confident that we have the necessary process and systems in place to ensure continued growth and we look forward to representing the Eastern Cape on the national cricket scene."
Coach Russell Domingo said that continuity within the ranks of the players would ensure that the Warriors developed as a squad.
"We continually look to improve our on-field performances," he said. "The inclusion of some local players like Smith, Jeggels and Theron shows that we are determined to keep our talented young players within our system and provide them with opportunities to develop.
Two members of the squad -- Johan Botha and Makhaya Ntini - have contracts with Cricket South Africa, and are not always available to play for their franchise. Robin Peterson is also frequently called up to do duty with the national team.
Warriors squad: Zander de Bruyn, Johan Botha, Athenkosi Dyili, Arno Jacobs, Davy Jacobs, Riuaan Jeggels, Justin Kreusch, Lyall Meyer, Sinethemba Mjekula, Makhaya Ntini, Mario Olivier, Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Michael Smith, Jon Jon Smuts, Juan "Rusty" Theron, Craig Thyssen, Lonwabo Tsotsobe
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Rugby
