HARARE - Zimbabwean domestic cricket side Southern Rocks have secured the services of two English County Championship players from Derbyshire ahead of the upcoming 2012-13 domestic season.

The Masvingo-based franchise had an indifferent season in the last campaign, failing to challenge for honours in the country’s three domestic competitions.

Following the arrival of coach Dave Houghton from Matabeleland Tuskers in the off-season, Rocks have now signed 18-year-old Peter Burgoyne, a right-handed batsman and off-spinner, as well as 21-year-old Ben Slater, a left-handed batsman and right arm slow bowler.

In addition to the English pair, pace bowler Trevor Garwe also joined the Rocks from Mashonaland Eagles while former Zimbabwe and Matabeleland Tuskers seamer Tawanda Mupariwa completes the list of new signings alongside Midwest Rhinos batsman Bothwell Chapungu.

Southern Rocks chief executive Givemore Makoni confirmed the new signings.

“This year we are looking at winning at least one major trophy, we have the best coach in town in Dave Houghton as well as the players to deliver,” Makoni told the Daily News yesterday.

“We are targeting the limited overs; the Twenty20 and Pro 50 championship as well as winning a couple of Logan Cup matches. If we can take care of the little things which make a difference between winning and losing, I believe we can achieve our goal.”

Meanwhile, controversial seamer Tinashe Panyangara is expected to return to Masvingo this season after being sidelined by injury and ill-discipline last season.

Panyangara fell out of favour with Rocks last season after several running battles with former coach Monte Lynch.