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Mark Alleyne includes Academy players Alfie Johnson and Zaman Shafi in Stellenbosch squad

6 March 2025

Gloucestershire County Cricket Club is delighted to announce that Academy players Alfie Johnson and Zaman Shafi have been selected to join the professional squad for their pre-season tour to Stellenbosch, South Africa.

The opportunity to train and play alongside the first team will provide Alfie and Zaman with invaluable experience as they continue their development as cricketers, within Gloucestershire Academy and beyond.

Zaman, a wicketkeeper-batter, now in his third year with the Academy, is currently studying for his A Levels at Clifton College. Having played his youth cricket and senior cricket to date at Golden Hill CC, this season he will be heading to Downend CC as he continues to develop his game.

Alfie, a right-arm off-spinner in his second year with the Academy, plays his club cricket for Corsham CC and is also studying for his A Levels at St Laurence School. Originally coming through the pathway at Wiltshire, he has continued to flourish within the Gloucestershire setup, Alfie’s progress is a testament to our relationship with our neighbouring National County.

Gloucestershire Head Coach Mark Alleyne expressed his enthusiasm for their inclusion in the tour:

“I’m really excited to be having a couple of the Academy players join us on our pre-season preparation in Stellenbosch.

“We are taking a reduced squad group with a red-ball focus and the skill sets of Alfie and Zaman will complement this trip very well. For them it is an opportunity to further integrate with the professionalsquad and have a real-life experience of the requirements and expectations of a Gloucestershire cricketer.

“We want to extend opportunities like this to every Academy player, and there may be more chances for our junior players to join up with the first team over the course of the season.

“This is a brilliant reward for Alfie and Zaman for excelling in the Academy thus far and we hope this will add to their broadening portfolio of knowledge on the game. We look forward to welcoming them to the group.”

As a Club, Gloucestershire is committed to developing emerging talent and providing the best possible environment for young cricketers to thrive.

Head of Talent Pathways, Laura Charles-Price, shared her excitement for the duo’s selection:

“We are thrilled to see Alfie and Zaman taking this next step in their cricketing journeys. Their inclusion in the pre-season tour reflects the exceptional work being done within our Academy and Pathway system. With the continued growth of our cricket department and key appointments strengthening our setup, we are in an even better position to support and develop our young players.

“Head Coach of the Boys Talent Pathway Paul Muchall has played a key role in supporting both players' growth, alongside the Academy coaching team, made up of Owen Dawkins (2nd XI Head coach and club batting lead), Fran Wilson (Fielding coach) Jon Tegg (wicket keeping), Tom Smith (Spin coach) – A coaching team full of experience, who work closely alongside side the Science and Medicine team Chris Gibson (S&C), Marcus Nel (Psychologist), Andrew Petts (Nutrition) and Chris Powell (Physio).”

Muchall, clearly delighted with the recent news said:

“I’m thrilled to see Zaman and Alfie earning the opportunity to tour with the first team. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to their development have been outstanding, and this experience will be invaluable as they take the next step in their cricket journey. It’s a testament to their progress over the past few years, and I have no doubt they’ll make the most of this chance.”

Everyone from the Pathway and wider cricket department at Gloucestershire Cricket wishes Alfie and Zaman the best of luck as they embark on this exciting opportunity. We look forward to seeing their continued progress and success as they represent the club.

Gloucestershire Squad for Stellenbosch camp:

Zaman Akhter

Archie Bailey

James Bracey

Ben Charlesworth

Luke Charlesworth

Chris Dent

Dom Goodman

Miles Hammond

Alfie Johnson (Academy)

Ed Middleton

Joe Phillips

Ollie Price

Tom Price

Zaman Shafi (Academy)

Josh Shaw

Ajeet Singh Dale

Matt Taylor

Graeme van Buuren

Gloucestershire Coaches & Staff:

Mark Alleyne (Head Coach)

Owen Dawkins (Lead Batting Coach)

Mark Thorburn (Lead Bowling Coach)

Oliver Hunt (Strength & Conditioning Coach)

Chris Powell (Physiotherapist)

Read more details on the tour here

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