The Sydney Sixers have secured the final piece of their KFC BBL|14 playing squad, with the homecoming of spin bowler, Ben Manenti, for the upcoming season.
Manenti returns, Sixers list finalised
Making his debut in Sydney in BBL|08, Manenti spent four summers with the Sixers, before defecting south to join the Adelaide Strikers
Manenti is now set to return home to Sydney, reuniting with his former coach and captain, and long-time Sixers leaders, Greg Shipperd and Moises Henriques.
Earning a first-class call-up with Tasmania in March 2022, the off-spinner made the move to South Australia ahead of the 2022-23 season, establishing himself as a genuine all-rounder in the southern state.
Notching 478 runs in his first Sheffield Shield season with South Australia, in addition to a maiden five-wicket haul, Manenti was named the state’s Player of the Year, awarded both the Neil Dansie Medal and the One Day Cup MVP.
The 27-year-old followed up his breakout domestic summer with another outstanding Sheffield Shield season, notching 609 runs – eighth most in the competition – to add to 13 wickets across the season.
Sixers General Manager, Rachael Haynes said the club was pleased to have a returning clubman fill the squad’s final list spot.
“As a club we’re really proud of the culture we’ve established, and I think the fact that we’ve had such a tight-knit group of players for a long period of time, speaks to that strong culture.
“To round out our list for this season with a returning player in Ben, I think also speaks to the fact that players love playing here and want to come back and be a part of our group and our set up at the Sixers.
“Ben has had an outstanding couple of years at state level and has continued to develop his game, and we’re looking forward to what he’ll be able to bring with both the bat and ball. He has great relationships here at the club and we know he’ll fit right back in.”
Speaking about the opportunity to return to the Sixers, Manenti said the club was like home to him.
“I’m stoked to be back [at the Sixers].
“The Sixers gave me my first opportunity to play professional cricket and it’s always been a home. Sydney is my home, so I’m excited to be back.”
Manenti’s recruitment rounds out the club’s off-season contracting, with the re-signing of ‘heart and soul’ Sixers, Daniel Hughes, Jackson Bird, Steve Smith, as well as Englishman, James Vince, retained via the BBL Draft.
The Sixers also welcomed two fresh faces in Akeal Hosein and Jafer Chohan at the BBL Draft, with retired spinner Stephen O’Keefe the only departure from last summer.
The Sixers will officially kick off their hunt for the KFC BBL|14 trophy on Monday, December 15, hosting the Melbourne Renegades in a must-see clash at the SCG.
Sydney Sixers KFC BBL|14 Squad
BBL|14 Squad: Sean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Jafer Chohan, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Akeal Hosein, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Ben Manenti, Todd Murphy, Kurtis Patterson, Mitch Perry, Josh Philippe, Jordan Silk, Steve Smith, James Vince.
BBL|14 Coaches: Greg Shipperd (head coach), Ali de Winter, Matthew Mott, Jay Lenton (assistants)