The Border semi-professional cricket team gets down to business this week when they open their season against local rivals Eastern Province at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth.
They kick off their Sunfoil Cup Three-Day Competition on Thursday before getting their CSA Provincial T20 Challenge up and running on Sunday against the same opposition.
Border enjoyed a decent season over 2013-14, gaining great results in the three-day cup to finish fourth overall on the 14-team table.
This was a top effort from the team after they had pledged to improve their three-day form after winning the CSA One Day Cup over the 2012-13 season.
They were, however, unable to retain the cup last season and, by finishing third in their section in the T20 competition, Border ended the season trophy-less.
Despite the absence of silverware it was a solid season, as good results were garnered in all three formats.
Border will want to claim some silverware this season and the team will be raring to go.
“We have prepared very well this off-season and I think we will do well,” said Border coach Frank Plaatjes.
A good result against their closest rivals (in proximity) will go a long way to instilling confidence in the team.
Their preparations this week have been hindered by rain that has plagued the region over the last week.
“It is always difficult when it rains, but the guys will hopefully get back on the field for a training match in Alice on Sunday weather permitting,” said Plaatjes.
Border has a nice blend of experience and young talent coming through the ranks this season and they will hope the ‘old guard’ will be able to lay a good platform for the youngsters to launch off.
Border stalwart Abongile Sodumo will once again be leading the sides in all forms and his inspirational leadership will be a valuable asset to the team.
Experienced heads Burton de Wett and Darryl Brown will be integral with their many years of experience.
With exciting players such as Gionne Koopman, Somila Seyibokwe and Brendon Williams around and some top youngsters like Marko Marais coming through, the Border team is looking well balanced this year.
Border player of the season for 2013-14 Jerry Nqolo will be looking to continue his fantastic form that saw him claim the title.
All-rounder Nqolo’s batting certainly came to the fore last season when he was tasked with digging Border out of quite a few holes and even led them to an unlikely win or two.
It is rumoured he may be moved up the order this season, an obvious nod to his growing stature with the blade, while his bowling still remains a threat.
This mix of impressive talent will hopefully work well and be a recipe for success.
“We have a really good balance between experience and young talent this season,” said Plaatjes.
Border also has four of their star players contracted to the Warriors this season – Vuyisa Makaphela, Lundi Mbane, Thandolwethu Mnyaka and Aya Gqamane and will have to be careful in how they utilise them when they are available for Border duty.
Border fired up for St George’s Park shootout
They kick off their Sunfoil Cup Three-Day Competition on Thursday before getting their CSA Provincial T20 Challenge up and running on Sunday against the same opposition.
Border enjoyed a decent season over 2013-14, gaining great results in the three-day cup to finish fourth overall on the 14-team table.
This was a top effort from the team after they had pledged to improve their three-day form after winning the CSA One Day Cup over the 2012-13 season.
They were, however, unable to retain the cup last season and, by finishing third in their section in the T20 competition, Border ended the season trophy-less.
Despite the absence of silverware it was a solid season, as good results were garnered in all three formats.
Border will want to claim some silverware this season and the team will be raring to go.
“We have prepared very well this off-season and I think we will do well,” said Border coach Frank Plaatjes.
A good result against their closest rivals (in proximity) will go a long way to instilling confidence in the team.
Their preparations this week have been hindered by rain that has plagued the region over the last week.
“It is always difficult when it rains, but the guys will hopefully get back on the field for a training match in Alice on Sunday weather permitting,” said Plaatjes.
Border has a nice blend of experience and young talent coming through the ranks this season and they will hope the ‘old guard’ will be able to lay a good platform for the youngsters to launch off.
Border stalwart Abongile Sodumo will once again be leading the sides in all forms and his inspirational leadership will be a valuable asset to the team.
Experienced heads Burton de Wett and Darryl Brown will be integral with their many years of experience.
With exciting players such as Gionne Koopman, Somila Seyibokwe and Brendon Williams around and some top youngsters like Marko Marais coming through, the Border team is looking well balanced this year.
Border player of the season for 2013-14 Jerry Nqolo will be looking to continue his fantastic form that saw him claim the title.
All-rounder Nqolo’s batting certainly came to the fore last season when he was tasked with digging Border out of quite a few holes and even led them to an unlikely win or two.
It is rumoured he may be moved up the order this season, an obvious nod to his growing stature with the blade, while his bowling still remains a threat.
This mix of impressive talent will hopefully work well and be a recipe for success.
“We have a really good balance between experience and young talent this season,” said Plaatjes.
Border also has four of their star players contracted to the Warriors this season – Vuyisa Makaphela, Lundi Mbane, Thandolwethu Mnyaka and Aya Gqamane and will have to be careful in how they utilise them when they are available for Border duty.
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