Proteas captain Temba Bavuma has been acquired by the Pretoria Capitals team to participate in the fifth season of the Betway SA20 tournament. He will return to Betway SA20 next season after not being sold at the fourth season's auction.
The 36-year-old Bavuma was the last player selected at the auction when Capitals acquired him for a base price of R200,000. Previously, he played for three-time champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape, having been signed as a Wild Card player in the first season and then retained in the second season.
Bavuma, who captains Proteas in the upcoming three-match test series against Australia starting on Friday at Kingsmead, will now play in the Capitals' blue jersey.
Possible participation in the opening match
The Proteas captain hopes to participate in the opening match of the fifth season, which will take place between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Pretoria Capitals at St George’s Park stadium in Gqeberha, repeating last season's final.
Pretoria Capitals coach Sourav Ganguly expressed confidence that the team can achieve more next season, considering two consecutive finals in four seasons. He noted: 'We were in the final last season and couldn't seal the deal. This time we are back stronger. Phil Salt is back, and we have retained players who helped us—Dewald Brevis, Keshav Maharaj, Lungie Ngidi.'
Ganguly added that, 'by adding the firepower of Andre Russell and Sherfane Rutherford, as well as some very good local talents, the core of the team is in good shape.'