Border eye first-class franchise opportunity

Border Cricket Board president Thando Ganda said they would be able to stand on their own should the opportunity to host a first-class franchise arise.

Cricket South Africa are reportedly mulling over the option of adding two more franchises to the six that were created at the end of the 2003-04 season.

East London, Kimberley and Potchefstroom are in the running to house the franchises.

“Here at Border, we have so many good players. We’ve had to release some of the other players because we can’t contract everyone that comes through our system because of the availability of resources. We’ve got players who are contracted with the Warriors who would do very well for us,” said Ganda.

“Politically and financially, we are stable though there are challenges we need to deal with like coaching education. That is something we are talking about at the moment but we’ll step up in that regard.”

While the formations of the Titans, Cape Cobras, Highveld Lions and the Dolphins were conducted smoothly, the Knights (then the Diamond Eagles-Eagles) and the Warriors had regional troubles.

Those moves saw two historically significant cricketing centres in Kimberley and East London having to fall under Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth, where the Knights and the Warriors are based.

From a trophy perspective, Northern Cape are the most deserving, having won the Sunfoil 3-day Cup four times since the 2004-05 season.

Border have had their three-day struggles but like the Warriors, they have found more success in the 50-over format. They won the tournament in 2012-13 and 2014-15. North-West have not had the same success but their excellent facilities and proximity to Johannesburg makes them a viable option.

Potchefstroom has been a preferred training base for touring teams, while North-West is a good feeder for the Lions franchise.

Ganda is aware of the impact Border’s breakaway could have on the Warriors franchise but he feels there are enough resources to cope, especially with the Warriors and the Cobras without title sponsors.

“If we exploit all of the opportunities we have from a business perspective, you can find yourself in a position to get sponsorships,” said Ganda.

“When we part ways with the Warriors, we’ll be parting ways with them in more ways than one since we’re partners. As a shareholder, we’re contributing in every aspect. I can’t say to which extent but there would be an impact should we leave.”

North-West Cricket Union president Archie Pretorius and Northern Cape Cricket Union president Rihan Richards were not available to comment.

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