CAPE TOWN – South Africa Test batsman Temba Bavuma will return to the Highveld Lions from the Cape Cobras, it was announced on Tuesday.
Bavuma left the Lions for the Cobras at the beginning of the 2017/2018 season, but has since decided after one season to return to the Wanderers Stadium.
“We obviously lament the fact that a player who is a match-winner in all formats, will not be at our disposal next season, but we wish him well for the 2018/2019 season."
"His silky batting skills and acrobatic fielding will be missed at PPC Newlands,” said Cape Cobras CEO Nabeal Dien. “It is understandable and practically makes enormous sense for Temba to return to Gauteng. Temba’s family is based there. We respect and back the decision.”
Greg Fredericks, chief executive officer of the Highveld Lions, was pleased to have Bavuma return to Johannesburg.
“We welcome Temba back with open arms. He is a player with special skills, experience and a star of his calibre is hard to find,” said Fredericks. “We did not have the best of seasons, so it is a step in the right direction to have him back in our system.”
Bavuma explained the reason behind his move.
“I made the decision to ply my trade for the World Sports Betting Cape Cobras to fulfil a childhood dream of donning the blue colours, but there have been developments in my personal life that have led me to reconsider that decision,” said Bavuma.
“I recently got engaged and feel that with my fiancé in JHB, it’s the favourable thing to do. I’ve enjoyed my stint with the Cobras and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”