Former South Africa U19 fast bowler Akhona Mnyaka has joined the Cape Cobras.

Mnyaka has been recruited in the wake of veteran Rory Kleinveldt’s retirement, all-rounder Wayne Parnell’s decision to sign a Kolpak contract – and fellow seamer Dane Paterson’s increasing commitments to the Proteas.

‘We are very happy with this signing and welcome Akhona to the Cobras set-up. He understands what the expectations are when it comes to wearing the Cobras jersey, and we have no doubt that he is up for the challenge,’ said Western Cape Cricket chief executive officer Nabeal Dien.

The 19-year-old Mnyaka has been named in the Cobras’ squad for this week’s 4-Day Franchise series fixture against the Titans at the Recreation Ground in Oudtshoorn. Proteas batsman Zubayr Hamza has also been included.

Head coach Ashwell Prince added: ‘I am delighted to have secured the services of Akhona Mnyaka. He was very impressive for South Africa during the U19 World Cup last year, finishing the tournament as the leading wicket-taker for SA with nine wickets, and he was also the T20 player of the year in the school’s competition they had last year.

‘We know that we have secured a very promising young left-arm bowler, and of course with people like Wayne Parnell leaving the Cobras at the start of the season and having never been replaced up until now, he will fulfil that final 18th contract position for the rest of the season.

‘The acquisition is more about the long-term future rather than the immediate future, but having said that, with the spate of injuries and call-ups to the Proteas ODI squad, and Rory announcing his retirement from first-class cricket after the last game, he does become available for selection straight away in four-day cricket and for the rest of the one-day competitions.’

Photo: Gallo