By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE
SIDMOUTH have added South African all-rounder Andile Mogakane to their playing strength for this summer’s assault on the Tolchards DCL Premier Division title.
Mogakane, a 24-year-old batting all-rounder from the Durban area of South Africa, has represented South Africa under-19s and the SA Emerging Players XI. Professionally he has played for the Warriors, KZN Inland, Coastal and Dolphins. 
In First Class cricket he averages 21.44 with the bat and 44.42 with the ball. His List A statistics are 17.30 and 36.83 respectively. He appeared in two under-19 Test matches and four one-day internationals.
Mogakane bats right-handed and bowls medium quick. This will be his second stint in the UK and follows a summer with Stokesley CC in the North Yorkshire & South Durham Premier Division.
In 24 league and cup games for Stokesley he passed 50 seven times on the way to 861 runs and, operating with the new ball, bagged 35 wickets – five of them in a six-wicket win over Darlington. He was due to turn out for North Down in the Northern Cricket Union Premier Division last season, but a call-up for the South African Academy stopped him travelling to County Down.
Mogakane has been recommended to Sidmouth by fellow countryman Bryce Parsons, who was Sidmouth’s overseas player in 2023.
Anthony Griffiths, the Sidmouth secretary and a former 1st XI captain, said Mogakane will be an ‘asset’ to the club in more ways than one.
Andile’s presence and expertise will undoubtedly elevate our team’s performance and contribute to our shared success,” said Griffiths.
“As a right-handed batsman and right-arm fast-medium bowler, he will be a valuable all-round asset to the club.
“Along with playing Andile will be available to run some coaching for our young cricketers throughout the summer.”
Sidmouth are hoping Mogakane sees out a full season at the Fortfield, unlike Parsons did in 2023.
Parsons was in full cry with bat and ball – 707 league runs, 17 league wickets – to keep Sidmouth in title contention up to the halfway stage. He left with five games to go, after which Sidmouth’s challenge faded.
Griffiths said the obvious question had been asked and the answer is: “Andile should be here for the whole season.”
