Proteas batsman Zubayr Hamza has been announced as the new Cape Cobras captain for the upcoming 2020-21 season.

Hamza replaces Dane Piedt, who is on his way to America, as the new leader of the franchise and will be hoping to make his way back into the Proteas Test team with some good performances for the Cape outfit.

Head coach Ashwell Prince is also optimistic that Hamza will lead the team to new success after a disappointing season on the domestic scene.

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‘I’m really looking forward to working side by side with Zubayr, as he takes charge of an exciting group of players,’ said Prince on Tuesday.

‘He has done the job on a part-time basis last season and besides the fact that he’s a top-class batsman, he has displayed real leadership qualities. More than just leading from the front with the bat, he’s an astute thinker and real student of the game.

‘There’s a genuine care factor about the rest of his teammates, and I think because of that he will enjoy every bit of support from the rest of the squad and, of course, management. I also feel that we have we have a number of hungry, talented and highly motivated individuals, such as the Malan brothers, Verreynne, De Zorzi, and Linde, who all have displayed good leadership qualities that he’ll be able to call upon out on the field.’

The 25-year-old Hamza is also relishing the opportunity to be handed the captaincy armband like many of his cricketing heroes in the past.

‘I want to thank my predecessor, Dane Piedt, and the captains who came before me – the likes of JP Duminy, Rory Kleinveldt, Justin Ontong, Andrew Puttick etc – who I have played under and who taught me the importance and privilege which comes with leading this proud franchise,’ added Hamza.

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‘We have an extremely exciting squad this coming season and even though I have my own style of leadership, there’s quite a number of guys who have strong leadership qualities that I’d be able to lean on for assistance and advice throughout the season. We have created quite a positive atmosphere throughout the team and have been putting in a high standard of work for the past couple of months, which has been really impressive. We are all excited for the upcoming season.’