The second edition of Mzansi Super League 2.0 is upon us this weekend and Tshwane Spartans are raring to get the campaign underway as they embark on a coastal trip for a clash with Durban Heat on Saturday at Kingsmead Stadium.
Speaking to the media post their training session in Centurion on Tuesday, coach Mark Boucher is confident they will have a more competitive run this time around.
With the tournament running throughout the summer, Boucher says the conditions can get in the way when facing teams across the country with varying climate conditions, but says he expects his lads to handle the Durban Heat.
The Durban outfit is coached by Boucher’s former coach Gary Kirsten and he expects a tricky encounter and a post-match drink with a man he calls a mentor and friend.
The Spartans head into the competition with a number of high-profile signings such as England World Cup winner Tom Curran being their marquee international signing.
Experienced AB De Villers, Lungi Ngidi, Morne Morkel and Lutho Sipamla are among the other top players for the Pretoria franchise and Boucher says their invaluable experience and energy rubs off on his younger lads.
The Proteas’ poor World Cup showing a few months ago has seen the game and Cricket South Africa thrusted in criticism from all angles in recent times and many believe the Mzanzi League action is just what domestic cricket needs to get fans smiling again.
Boucher, a legendary Proteas wicket-keeper cites, however, the local T20 tournament should not be used to sugar-coat the problems facing South African cricket. – Report by Tumi Gabonamong
? WATCH: The Spartans kicked off their first training session in a rather stylish manner. #ThisIsTshwane
Wouldn’t you agree @NgidiLungi ?
Take a look ? pic.twitter.com/CymRcayQRu
— Tshwane Spartans (@SpartansMSLT20) November 5, 2019
CAPTAIN KLAASEN: “I’m quite a relaxed captain.”
Take a first look at our new skipper @Heini22 ?#ThisIsTshwane #MSLT20 pic.twitter.com/G8cgFY1Hzk
— Tshwane Spartans (@SpartansMSLT20) November 5, 2019
