Stephen Cook appointed Highveld Lions captain across formats

Stephen Cook appointed Highveld Lions captain across formats

Stephen Cook, who is not part of the ongoing England tour, has been entrusted with new role. On Monday, Highveld Lions Board of Directors confirmed the appointment of Cook as captain of the team across formats for the coming season. Cook has been captaining the Lions since three seasons and now will be travelling with the side for T20, Momentum One Day Cup and Sunfoil Series squads. Chairman of the board, Dr Oupa Nkagisang, feels Cook has the ability to provide steadiness in the team that can prove to be beneficial in the long run and make Lions one of the dominating sides in the domestic arena.

Speaking to Super Sport, Nkagisang praised Cook, “We have been impressed with the manner in which Stephen has been able to head up the team in a manner that is aligned to our brand and is themed with discipline, diligence and a fighting spirit. We are clear in our goal to improve on the performance of last season and to put the loss of experienced players behind us. On paper we have a talented squad that can go head to head with the best out there and we are relying on Stephen and the coaching squad to ensure that the performance on the field resembles that as well.” Lions head coach Geoffrey Toyana also praised the youngster, “Stephen has a calm demeanour that is supported by sound cricket and people knowledge. He relies on his senior players for input and plays to each players’ strengths. He is still the right man for the job.”

On being appointed as captain across formats, Cook was delighted yet clear on his goal, “Having tasted success and held the silverware, anything less than that simply will not do. We have had time to recover from the movement of players and just seeing the incredible players coming through our ranks, the time is right for us to execute our skills and be a formidable opponent.”

The official announcement on the vice-captain is expected to be made at a later stage.