Furness Cricket Club have announced South African Matthew Kleinveldt as their professional for the 2024 season.

The south Cumbrian club took to social media to announce the signing of player who currently represents the Titans in South Africa’s First Class Cricket league.

In their post on social media a Furness CC spokesperson said: “With great pleasure we can confirm that Matthew Kleinveldt from South Africa will be our Overseas Professional Player/Coach for the 2024 season.

“Matt is a left handed top order batsman who currently represents the Titans in South Africas top tier on First Class Cricket. Matt also bowls Off Spin.

“Matt has previously had stints in UK Club Cricket with Wolverhampton.C.C in 2015/17 & 19, taking 104 wickets and scoring 2437 runs.

“In the 2019 season he was captain of W.C.C 1stXI which says a lot about his character and this was backed up by the glowing reference we received for Matt from Wolverhampton.C.C. & also by the ex F.C.C South Africa’s Pros we contacted.

“Matt is an extremely committed guy both on and off the field and we look forward to him taking a leading role with coaching/training our juniors and senior players.

“Matt will be traveling alone then we will welcome his wife Tanja and Son Elijah for a period of time.

“A big thank you to Daniel Hancock from Vitae Sports for getting the deal over the line.”

Furness will be hoping Matt can make a difference as the club finished second in the Premier Division of the Cumbria Cricket league as they tied with Carlisle on points.