Gisborne Cricket Club has signed up Obus Pienaar, the South African-born American cricketer, ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Pienaar is anticipated to be one of the most accomplished cricketers ever to play in the Gisborne District Cricket Association.
“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome someone of Obus’s calibre, professionalism and international experience,” Gisborne CC president Greg Hall told the Express.
With an outstanding professional career that includes 95 first-class matches in South Africa, Pienaar has scored more than 6000 runs at an average of 45.4, with 17 centuries, 28 half-centuries, and a highest score of 221.
He also holds the record for the fastest double century in South African domestic cricket, highlighting his explosive talent and world-class ability.
Internationally, Pienaar made headlines in the NCU Premier League, where he smashed a record-breaking 244 off just 114 balls, surpassing AB de Villiers’ previous high score of 233.
Currently, he is competing in the USA’s Major League Cricket competition for the Washington Freedom, where he has played for the past two seasons under the coaching of renowned ‘great’ Ricky Ponting.
During this time, his teammates have included some of the biggest names in world cricket—including Steve Smith, Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Owen, Lockie Ferguson, Glenn Phillips, and Jason Behrendorff—making for a truly elite cricketing environment.
Obus Pienaar’s pending arrival marks a major coup not just for the Gisborne Cricket Club, but for the competition as a whole.
It’s not just his playing credentials that make this signing special, as the talented 35-year-old is equally passionate about mentoring the next generation of cricketers.
Once settled in Gisborne with his wife and daughter this October, he will be involved in junior development, offering one-on-one coaching and playing a key role in building the future of cricket at Gisborne.
“His influence on and off the field will be immense—not just for our senior players, but especially for our juniors who will benefit from his guidance and leadership,” Hall said.
Gisborne’s McIntyre Cup side will be looking to make it three premierships in a row with Jarryd Vernon again head coach.
The Dragons are certainly not resting on their laurels, and have a depth of talent on their list again.
A SEAMLESS SIGNING
The club would also like to extend its sincere thanks to start-up cricket talent agency FreeAgent for outstanding work in making the Pienaar signing happen.
With Obus joining the club, the stage is set for an unforgettable 2025/26 season at Gardiner Reserve, Hall assured the Express.
Perhaps Gisborne supporters will put up sign with a ‘Welcome to Gisborne, Obus!’ message.
COOK ARRIVES
Late last week the Dragons announced they had also secured Brandon Cook, Melton’s captain-coach for the past two seasons. He has arrived to live in Gisborne with his family.
Cook brings on-field quality and strong leadership.
The hard-hitting batter was captain-coach at St Albans CC in 1921-22, and spent three seasons with the Subiaco-Florest CC in the top Western Australian competition.
Cook also spent two seasons as club professional with Langley CC in the United Kingdom, making 1382 runs at a 49.82 average and collecting 74 wickets at 9.32.
