Fast bowler Duanne Olivier has ended a burgeoning Proteas career for the foreseeable future after signing a Kolpak contract with Yorkshire.
- ‘Extremely disappointing’
‘We find it extremely disappointing that Duanne has taken this step after all the opportunities we have given him, particularly over the past season and going forward, to live his dream of being an international cricketer.’ – Cricket South Africa chief executive officer Thabang Moroe.
- ‘It was a decision we could not control’
‘We are naturally disappointed with Duanne’s decision to sign a Kolpak contract. He has been a key feature for us this summer and was without a doubt one of our standout performers. We held several meetings with him regarding his future with the Proteas throughout the summer and even offered him a two-year contract. To see him cut short a promising international career is disappointing. Ultimately, it was a decision we could not control despite our best efforts.’ – Proteas head coach Ottis Gibson.
- ‘I needed to be true to myself’
‘I would be lying if I said this wasn’t a difficult decision to make. It’s giving up playing for my country with no guarantees of playing international cricket again. But at the end of the day, I needed to be true to myself. I’ve only got this one chance to see where my talent can take me and Yorkshire just felt right to me.’ – Olivier.
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- ‘A great asset for us’
‘We hope it’s going to be a long-term signing, it’s for an initial three years, but we’re hoping it will be for longer than that. As a person in the dressing room, I think he’ll be really strong for us. I think the fact he’s giving up international cricket for South Africa to play here shows his commitment, and I think he’ll be a great asset for us.’ – Yorkshire director of cricket Martyn Moxon.
- ‘In his prime’
Duanne has been on the radar for a while. We’ve kept our eye on him and he’s obviously had a fantastic time with South Africa. To sign someone of his quality will be a great addition to our squad. He’s a proven wicket-taker, a man who is right at the top of his game and in great form at the moment. To sign a guy who is right at the top of his game in his prime is fantastic and he will fit in really well.’ – Yorkshire head coach Andrew Gale.
Photo: Gallo
