The Border cricket team will be gunning to get their Africa Cup T20 campaign off to the best possible start when they take on Namibia in their opening match of the tournament at Police Park on Friday afternoon.
With 10 matches set to be battled out over three days and the team at the top of the log at the end progressing to the finals weekend, stakes are high and both teams will be targeting a good start.
“I am happy with the way our prep has gone, the guys are looking good and we are ready for Friday,” said Border coach Frank Plaatjes.
“Namibia will be a tough match, we know them well from playing them every year during the regular season, so we know what to expect and they also did well in the competition last year.”
Namibia will be playing their first match of the competition in the morning against Eastern Province, so they will either head into the match on a high or go in knowing they need a win desperately to stay in contention.
“Namibia will be playing in the morning, so they will have a feel for the conditions, so that will give them a boost, but we are ready for that,” said Plaatjes.
“Our focus is just getting over that first hurdle and then we will starting planning for the next match.
“We are very confident for the weekend but we are really hoping that the rain gods stay away, as they played a big part in the last two editions held here.”
It is a strong Border team that will be in action over the weekend, led by captain Jerry Nqolo and featuring some big-hitting power in Protea Christiaan Jonker and world record-holder Marco Marais.
In the bowling department the side has been bolstered with the arrival of Warriors stalwart Basheer Walters and along with Border spearhead Phaphama Fojela they will be looking to lead the line.
“Having the Warriors guys involved is always a boost, they bring fresh energy, fresh ideas and it is always a plus to have them playing for us,” admitted Plaatjes.
“Overall I am very happy with the balance of the squad, we have a very good balance, we have covered all of our bases.
“We have experienced bowlers and batters as well as quite a few exciting youngsters coming through, so it is very positive for the team.”
Many of the players will also be aiming to make their mark ahead of the Global T20 League which is set to start in November and will be eager to show off their talent so to impress any scouts that may be keeping an eye on the tournament.
“This is the perfect platform to show your skills and maybe get a contract somewhere, so the players will want to take advantage of this platform,” said Plaatjes. Following Friday’s match Border will then be in action twice on Saturday, taking on Mpumalanga in the morning and Kenya in the afternoon, both games at Buffalo Park, before ending their campaign against EP on Sunday afternoon at Buffalo Park.
“Come Sunday, no matter how the tournament has gone before, a provincial derby will always be a big one to finish the things off,” said Plaatjes.
Border and Namibia get under way at 1.30pm on Friday at Police Park...