South African middle-order batsman Temba Bavuma is all set to lead the Highveld Lions in the First-class Proteas tournament while Rassie van der Dussen will be his deputy. The latest development has confirmed by the Lions CEO Greg Fredericks on Wednesday (20 June).

The 28-year-old right-hander, who until the start of the 2018-19 summer had been a part of Cape Cobras, will replace Stephen Cook, who resigned from captaincy at Lions.

As per reports in Cricbuzz, Lions CEO Greg Fredericks said, “We are set on securing silverware in the next season and with the team leadership in place, we can now start taking the next steps towards that. Both Temba and Rassie have immense leadership skills that we strongly believe are the right combination when it comes to the execution of the team's preparation and also in guiding the team culture.”

Meanwhile, Bavuma is excited to lead the Lions and feels grateful that he has given the opportunity. He further added,“I have always been eager to achieve this at some point in time and am grateful that the board has seen it fitting to give me this opportunity now. Being back at the Lions has been phenomenal and now I will get an opportunity to play a bigger and more meaningful role.”

On the other hand, there will have fewer chances of him to spend much time with Lions, as Bavuma will be busy with national commitments, as South Africa is set to play Pakistan and Sri Lanka in their upcoming schedule. He is also trying hard to get the No.4 slot in the Proteas Test squad after AB de Villiers retirement.