Cape Town - Daryn Smit will be the Dolphins’ new captain for the upcoming cricket season, the KwaZulu-Natal franchise announced on Friday.
The 28-year-old wicketkeeper will take over the reins from former skipper Imraan Khan who has stepped down to focus on fighting his way into national selection.
Smit has been the team’s vice-captain for the past three years.
New Dolphins coach Lance Klusener told SuperSport.com that Smit had been the stand-out candidate.
“Daryn is exceptionally passionate about the franchise. We are looking to forge a new culture with a young team and to bring new pride in wearing the jersey and he is a shining example of that,” said Klusener.
“He is someone that we are very lucky to have and he is also looking to wear the gloves for the national side and he will have a lot of support to make sure he achieves his goals,” the coach added.
Smit told Cricket SA's website he will do his best to help restore the Dolhpins as a dominant force in South African domestic cricket.
"It is truly an honour and privilege to have been appointed captain of the Dolphins this week. As a youngster coming to watch Natal, as we were known back then in the early 90's, it was a dream of mine to play at Kingsmead and follow in the footsteps of my heroes. I have been lucky enough to do that for the past 9 years and to now be able to lead this team is truly an honour.
“I would not have accepted this job if I didn't truly believe that I could make a difference to this team and if I did not believe in each and every member within our squad. I eagerly anticipate the challenges that lie ahead and look forward to the opportunity to be an integral part of restoring the Dolphins back to our rightful position as a dominant force within South African cricket."
The 28-year-old wicketkeeper will take over the reins from former skipper Imraan Khan who has stepped down to focus on fighting his way into national selection.
Smit has been the team’s vice-captain for the past three years.
New Dolphins coach Lance Klusener told SuperSport.com that Smit had been the stand-out candidate.
“Daryn is exceptionally passionate about the franchise. We are looking to forge a new culture with a young team and to bring new pride in wearing the jersey and he is a shining example of that,” said Klusener.
“He is someone that we are very lucky to have and he is also looking to wear the gloves for the national side and he will have a lot of support to make sure he achieves his goals,” the coach added.
Smit told Cricket SA's website he will do his best to help restore the Dolhpins as a dominant force in South African domestic cricket.
"It is truly an honour and privilege to have been appointed captain of the Dolphins this week. As a youngster coming to watch Natal, as we were known back then in the early 90's, it was a dream of mine to play at Kingsmead and follow in the footsteps of my heroes. I have been lucky enough to do that for the past 9 years and to now be able to lead this team is truly an honour.
“I would not have accepted this job if I didn't truly believe that I could make a difference to this team and if I did not believe in each and every member within our squad. I eagerly anticipate the challenges that lie ahead and look forward to the opportunity to be an integral part of restoring the Dolphins back to our rightful position as a dominant force within South African cricket."