Lesiba Ngoepe

Lesiba is a fine young talented batting all-rounder now playing 1st class cricket in South Africa for Eastern Province following a move from the Cape Cobras/Western Province. A former RSA U19 player, Lesiba made his first class debut at the age of 17, and has gone on to play over 100 provincial games. A clean hitter of the ball, Lesiba is predominantly an opener in the shorter formats whilst he bats 4-5 in the longer version of the game.

A capable yet under-used Slow Left arm Orthodox spinner, he has a knack for breaking partnerships. Lesiba played in the Birmingham league for Coventry and North Warwickshire CC during the 2014 season where he had a great season scoring 784 runs and took 16 wickets before having to return early due to change of provinces at first class level. After a 2016 season cut short by a knee injury, he returned to the UK in 2017, joining Aberdeenshire CC in the Scottish Eastern Premier Division where he chalked up 555 runs @ 37 and took 28 wickets @ 18.42 to be in the top 4 performers with both bat and ball.

In summer 2019, Lesiba returned to Scotland, this time joining Poloc CC for their 2019 WDCU campaign. 396 runs @ 30.46 and 17 wickets @ 20.06 didn’t quite scale the heights of his previous Scottish stint but in tough conditions this summer, still a solid enough return to keep Poloc out of the relegation zone.

In summer 2021, Lesiba joined Shenfield CC in the ECB Essex League, scoring 669 runs @ 39.35 with a best of 141* against Buckhurst Hill CC and contributing with 28 wickets @ 19.57 with a best of 4-11 in his final game as he put the club in the box seat for promotion to the Premier League.

Lesiba returned to the UK in 2022, linking with Astley Bridge CC in the Bolton League. Despite a season interrupted with a South African T20 squad call-up, Lesiba returned to the club, scoring 663 runs @ 41.44 and bagging an impressive 44 wickets @ 12.30 including a career best 9-24 against Atherton CC

Astley Bridge quickly re-signed him for 2023 and until his premature departure, he was again outstanding, with 669 runs @ 41 and 39 wickets @ 14.

Lesiba is eager to return next summer represents a great option to any club seeking a genuine top order player and a real spin bowling option.