Langeveldt played for Derbyshire in last season's T20 competition

Kent have signed South Africa seam bowler Charl Langeveldt as their overseas player for their upcoming FL t20 campaign.

The 36-year-old is expected to make his debut in Kent's opener against Somerset at Tunbridge Wells on Friday.

Coach Paul Farbrace told BBC Radio Kent: "Batting-wise I think we're a very good Twenty20 side.

"We just felt we needed some help and experienced support with our bowling. Charl provides exactly that."

It is hoped that Langeveldt - who has been playing in the Indian Premier League for Royal Challengers Bangalore - will arrive in Kent in time for Friday's game.

Farbrace said: "His stats are very good, he was keen to come and play.

"He's been in the IPL - he's made his reputation for being a brilliant bowler at the end of the innings."

At the start of the season Kent admitted it was "unlikely" the club could afford to bring in an overseas player.

But Kent's chief executive Jamie Clifford said: "All the way through the winter when we were asked if we were going to go for an overseas player, we've said it's unlikely - that's been our stance.

"And it was true. But the factors concerning overseas players are always moving: there's the availability of players, there's the club's finances, there's a lot that goes into the mix.

"Paul Farbrace came forward with the idea, we had a meeting of the general committee, and then we had to sort visas and get the chap into the country - that's all quite complicated."

Clifford added: "At the time Charl was in Bangalore and the final of the IPL was only on Sunday.

Lots of people could have come and played here but we've chosen carefully some who will have an impact on the field Paul Farbrace

"He then had to get back to South Africa to get his visa and then get to the UK ready to play on Friday so it's not a straight forward thing.

"We've been very cagey about where we were at. There were rumours flying around and we took the view we couldn't go public until you know you're going to get him."

Langeveldt's arrival will be a welcome boost to Kent's largely inexperienced bowling attack.

Youngsters like Matt Coles, Ashley Shaw and Adam Ball have had to step in after injuries to senior players including Robbie Joseph and Simon Cook.

Farbrace admitted there were a number of options for an overseas player, but he felt Langeveldt would bring them the experience they need.

He said: "Lots of people could have come and played here but we've chosen carefully some who will have an impact on the field.

"We're all keen to have him on board and playing for us - so hopefully he'll be here for Friday's game."

BBC Radio Kent will have ball-by-ball commentary of Kent v Somerset in the FL t20 on 774mw, DAB and online.

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