EP Cricket has appointed a new CEO, Samsung links up with the Proteas and Herschelle Gibbs is in hot water.
Saleem Mukuddem appointed interim CEO at EP Cricket
The Eastern Province Cricket Board have appointed former Bermuda captain and chartered accountant, Saleem Mukkudem, as the interim Chief Executive Officer of EP Cricket.
Mukkudem’s appointment is an interim position for two months while the Board recruits a permanent CEO. EP Cricket has struggled with sustainability and cash flow issues and needs a skilled professional to dig them out of the hole.
In local cricket circles, apart from playing club cricket in Cape Town, he also served as a member of the WPCA Finance committee as well as Chairman of the Audit Committee.
‘We are certainly very fortunate to have a person of Saleem’s expertise to come on board and help us to turn things around,’ said EP Cricket President, Donovan May.
‘EP Cricket is clearly not in a healthy position and we need to firstly own up to our challenges and then take decisive action to turn things around. With the help of Saleem and two additional independent directors, we will develop a clear plan to get us back on track.
‘The Board of EP Cricket will support Saleem fully while we recruit a full-time CEO. I must also thank CSA for supporting us during an extremely difficult period,’ concluded May.
Samsung joins Proteas team
Samsung Electronics South Africa and Cricket South Africa have announced a three-year deal, which sees Samsung become the official consumer electronics partner to CSA and the Proteas.
Together with being the exclusive consumer electronics partner to CSA and the Proteas, including mobile, touchscreen devices and cameras, Samsung will have branding rights at all cricket stadia across the country and the Samsung logo will be on boundary ropes and Umpires clothing at Ram Slam matches. Furthermore, Samsung touch screens will be used at the Supersport studios and pitch side during international and Ram Slam matches.
In addition, Samsung will contribute R1 million to the Nelson Mandela Foundation – when the batsman strikes 4-6-6-6-4 in consecutive boundaries, during the Ram Slam. This partnership also sees Samsung taking up the rights as associate sponsor for the annual Proteas vs Springboks match – both teams passionately sponsored by the company.
‘Of course we are excited by a global giant like Samsung coming on board,’ commented CSA Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat. ‘Both the Proteas and Samsung are world-famous global brands that are synonymous with quality performance and reliability. It is truly a great fit and we are very proud to welcome Samsung into our already impressive family of commercial partners.’
‘We are honoured to be a part of the CSA family and look forward to delivering innovation that will assist cricket in South Africa both on and off the pitch,’ said Matthew Thackrah, Deputy MD of Samsung Electronics SA.
Gibbs allegedly arrested
Former South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs has reportedly been arrested on a charge of reckless driving, after an accident in Camps Bay, Cape Town.
Gibbs, who was clinically treated for drug and alcohol abuse five years ago, was allegedly speeding and collided with another vehicle. No injuries were reported.
‘A case of drunk driving is under investigation. The 40-year-old suspect was arrested at 23:30 on Sunday and will appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on 25 November, 2015,’ said Western Cape police spokesperson FC van Wyk.
The talented right-hander played 90 Tests, 248 ODIs and 23 T20Is between 1996 and 2010. Two years prior to his last international match, Gibbs was charged with reckless and negligent driving. The charges were, however, eventually withdrawn.
Lions looking to gain momentum
The Highveld Lions will have pride and a home semi-final to play for in their final group stage match against the Knights in Kimberley on Wednesday evening.
‘The team is well aware of what is at stake and we will play to secure that home semi-final which is always a big morale booster for the players. The Knights have been a formidable outfit during this competition and we are ensuring that all boxes are ticked as we prepare for our match against them on Wednesday,’ Skipper Neil McKenzie said.
The team will remain fairly consistent with only one change coming into play.
‘Gayle will be rested in anticipation for the match on Sunday but no other big changes are planned for us for this match,’ Head Coach, Geoffrey Toyana said.
The squad consists of Temba Bavuma, Stephen Cook, Quinton De Kock (W/K), Eddie Leie, Pumelela Matshikwe, Neil McKenzie (Captain), Christopher Morris, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Jean Symes, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Rassie vd Dussen,
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