BRADNINCH & Kentisbeare have plugged two gaps in their Tolchards DCL squad with a pair of late, close-season captures.

South African all-rounder Malusi Siboto and keeper-batter Adam Kent will be among the new faces in the defending Premier Division champions’ dressing room this season,

Bradninch & Kentisbeare, who won their second Premier title last season, were expecting Indian bowling all-rounder Sagar Jadhav to fill the overseas role at Kensham Park in the summer ahead.

Jadhav, who has had First-Class experience with Railways in Elite Cricket, is no longer in a position to play for Bradninch & Kentisbeare due to visa delays. The overseas slot has gone to South African veteran Siboto.

“Malusi is a highly experienced and quality player with more than 400 pro games under his belt in all formats,” said Chappell. 

“We are delighted to have signed Malusi and he will bring a lot to the club on and off the field.”

Siboto, currently playing red and white-ball cricket for Knights, has had three previous stints in the UK as a club professional. Last season he appeared for Beckenham in the Kent Championship, for whom he took 32 league wickets with a best of five for 40 against Whitstable.

Siboto also featured in Beckenham’s Twenty20 side. His best figures were five for 12 in a tied game against Gravesend.

Kent, who has switched from Bovey Tracey, will be standing behind the stumps instead of Justin Wubbeling, whose availability is patchy for the season ahead.

Bradninch & Kentisbeare is Kent’s third Devon League club. Previously, he had a brief spell with Abbotskerswell, three seasons with Chudleigh (2021-23) and summer with Bovey.

Gary Chappell, the Bradninch & Kentsbeare captain, said Kent’s primary role will be behind the stumps as cover for Justin Wubbeling.

“Adam Kent will take the gloves as Justin has other bits and pieces on this summer, but he will still be a big part when available with the bat, especially in the new format,” said Chappell.

Already on board for the up-coming season is spin-bowling all-rounder Toby Hard, who is inbound from Abbotskerswell. Other new faces may be in the pipeline.

“As previously mentioned, Toby will add some young blood and energy to the team,” said Chappell.

“With one or two more potentially joining the squad, we're shaping up well as a club and excited to get the season started.”