Exciting times for Kemp at Newlands

THE Cape Cobras have secured big-hitting Proteas all-rounder Justin Kemp as their major off-season signing - and they are likely to offer him the captaincy as well.

On the debit side, it is looking increasingly likely that the Cobras may have to do without their star strike bowler, Charl Willoughby, in addition to the retired Alan Dawson. The left-arm swing bowler is keen to obtain permanent residential status in Britain and, to do that, he will have to be resident in that country from January.

It would be possible for him to play a handful of games for the Proteas but, looking at the long-term picture, it is probably better to start forming a new-look new-ball attack.

The new season will be important for Monde Zondeki, who lost ground in the national rankings last season and now becomes the stand-alone spearhead of experience for the Cobras.

It was not altogether his fault as the Western Cape franchise performed so badly as a unit in the four-day SuperSport Series competition - five draws and five defeats and the wooden spoon on the log by an embarrassing margin - that a lot of reputations were tarnished.

Opening batsman Andrew Puttick, wicketkeeper Thami Tsolekile and spinner Con de Lange were others who suffered the same fate.

In an effort to find new options in the pace bowling department, the Cobras have offered first-time contracts to Pepler Sandri and Francois Plaatjies, while there are others who could come into the picture such as Craig Alexander and the Boland Youth new-ball duo of Johan Bothma and Karel Nieuwoudt.

South Africa under-19 batsman and captain Richard Levi is the other newcomer to the list of contracted players, while opening batsman Derrin Bassage reverts to the amateur level and pace bowler Quinton Friend has moved to the Dolphins.

But the key move for the Cobras is the signing of Kemp for the next three seasons at least. He led the Titans when available last season and is the obvious choice to do the same for the Cobras, who have a particularly youthful side.

Although the Cobras won the MTN Domestic Championship and were runners-up for the Standard Bank Pro20 title, their four-day form was appalling. That is where Kemp is expected to play his major role as a stabilising top-order influence.

He may be better known as a limited-overs big hitter, but he is more than capable in the first-class game - as confirmed by a match-saving half-century in one of his rare Test appearances against Australia two seasons ago.

With the Proteas at home for most of the summer and Kemp unlikely to be considered for Test match duty, he should be available for a large part of the four-day season and thus bring continuity to the leadership role.

When he is not available, the leadership is likely to go to either De Lange or Rory Kleinveldt, although the latter, like batsman JP Duminy, is getting close to the stage when he might get a call-up for national duty as well.

CAPE COBRAS' CONTRACTED PLAYERS

Andrew Puttick, Henry Davids, JP Duminy, Benji Hector, Richard Levi, Dominic Telo, Thami Tsolekile, Vernon Philander, Rory Kleinveldt, Con de Lange, Charl Willoughby (to be confirmed), Monde Zondeki, Pepler Sandri, Francois Plaatjies.

NATIONAL CONTRACTED PLAYERS

Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis, Herschelle Gibbs, Ashwell Prince, Mark Boucher, Justin Kemp.