KP joins Dolphins for Ram Slam T20

Dolphins will welcome the  international cricketing sensation back to the province of his birth after the hard-hitting batsman confirmed today that he will represent the Durban based franchise for a portion of their RAM Slam T20 campaign later this season.

The former Maritzburg College pupil, who left South African shores in 2001 to ply his trade in England where he went on to become the highest international run scorer (13 779 runs) of all time for his adopted country, is delighted to return to the place where his career first started and hopes to make a significant impact during his time with the Dolphins.

“I’m very excited to return to Durban in a few weeks’ time and contribute towards the Sunfoil Dolphins’ cause,” said Pietersen.

“Having grown up in KZN it is obviously a place that means something quite special to me and to have the opportunity to play there again is something I’m really looking forward to,” added ‘KP’.

These days considered an international Twenty20 specialist, Pietersen has played pivotal roles for the Deccan Chargers, Delhi Daredevils, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad (all Indian Premier League), St Lucia Zouks (Caribbean Premier League), Melbourne Stars (Big Bash League) and Surrey (T20 Blast) in recent years.

The powerful right-hander’s signing with the Sunfoil Dolphins will, however, see Pietersen in action in South Africa’s RAM SLAM T20 Challenge for the first time in his career and it is a tournament that he says he is relishing being a part of.

“The RAM SLAM T20 looks to be an exciting tournament and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the action for the first time this summer.

“The Dolphins have some talented individuals and hopefully I can contribute towards the team’s success during my time with them,” said Pietersen.

For the Sunfoil Dolphins head coach, Lance Klusener, Pietersen’s signing is an exciting one that is set to help his charges challenge for the title they clinched in 2013/14.

“It’s very exciting to have a player of Kevin’s ability join us for a portion of the RAM SLAM T20 tournament,” said Klusener.

“We’ve won the tournament before and hopefully his presence will aid in us challenging for the title once more,” he added.

A wave of fresh energy has washed over Sahara Stadium Kingsmead and the Sunfoil Dolphins in recent months and CEO Pete de Wet is confident Pietersen’s arrival will further heighten the already positive team and stadium environment.

“We are thrilled to have Kevin join us for the first half of the RAM SLAM T20 competition!” said De Wet. 

“He will be with us from 29 October until 15 November, during which time he will represent the Dolphins for a total of five matches.

“Kevin’s stats speak for themselves and we look forward to his world class on-field abilities and bubbly personality being of both great interest to our Sunfoil Dolphins fans and value to his new team mates.

“We look forward to Kevin’s influence being felt both on and off the field and we wish him a very pleasant return to Durban and stay with the Sunfoil Dolphins!”

The Sunfoil Dolphins get their 2015/16 domestic cricket season underway on Sunday, 11 October with a Momentum One-Day Cup clash with the VKB Knights in Pietermaritzburg while the Durban franchise’s RAM SLAM T20 campaign commences on Sunday, 1 November at Sahara Park Willowmoore in Benoni against The Unlimited Titans.