MZANSI SUPER LEAGUE 2.0 FUN, FAST FOR ALL YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE

By Fanatics Magazine 01 N O I T I D E

ALL THE SQUADS, KEY PLAYERS AND SO MUCH MORE, JAM- T S R PACKED INTO A BINGE-WORTHY PACKAGE JUST FOR YOU. I F Mzansi Super League 2.0

Summary

After an enthralling opening season of ’s very own T20 competition, it is time for the 2nd edition.

Going by the tagline “Fast, Fun, For All”, the tournament proved to be entertaining last season with every franchise putting in substantial effort to promote their franchise.

One of the major positives of this tournament is the promotion of South Africa’s young talent. Every side needed to sign at least one Rookie (a player 21 or younger.

This gives these young cricketers the opportunity to learn from some of the biggest names in the game today. It also allows fringe players to have an opportunity to showcase their talent and make that drive for national honours.

This guide will fill provide you with the squads, some of the young Players to Watch in the new campaign and highlight the importance of lifting the trophy for each team in the competition.

Last Season's Standings Jozi Stars

The Jozi stars are the defending champions. Last season, they were led by current interim Proteas coach Enoch Nkwe, and boasted star international names like and Daniel Christian. Let's not forget that their star Proteas Marquee player was and still is .

Their campaign last season was also pivotal in the rise of a new Proteas fan favourite as well as young sensation Ryan Rickelton.

They kick of the Mzansi Super League 2.0 with a repeat of the 2018 final, against the Blitz in on 8 November.

This is their their squad for the coming season:

Kagiso Rabada (South African Marquee) Chris Gayle (International Marquee) Rassie van der Dussen – retained (Round 1) – retained (Round 2) – retained (Round 3) (Round 4) Duanne Olivier – retained (Round 5) (Round 6) Ryan Rickleton (Round 7) (Round 8) (Round 9) Sinethemba Qeshile – retained (Round 10) Nono Pongolo (Round 11) Eathan Bosch (Round 12) Delano Potgieter (Round 13) – (Wild Card)

“NEVER TAKE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR GRANTED” Get to know Jozi Stars' talented all-rounder Delano Potgieter a little better in this exclusive feature.

The 22-year-old has made plenty of noise during pre-season.

His performances, particularly for the University Sports South Africa XI, were impressive, where he showed consistency with both the bat and ball.

In an exclusive interview with Cricket Fanatics Magazine, Potgieter explained how the experience has grown him as a player. “It most certainly taught me that every game is an opportunity that comes your way," he said.

“It also showed me that you need to take every opportunity and give it your best shot. Never take an opportunity for granted as it might not come your way again.

”He definitely took his opportunity for USSA XI. He stood out, particularly, when his teammates struggled the most.

He scored 124 and took 3-56 in a narrow defeat to Sri Lanka Emerging, helped his side seal a win against SA Emerging by scoring 70 and taking 1-30, and scored an unbeaten 97 not out in a second defeat to SL Emerging.

Potgieter’s recent rise has been inspiring. There has been an assumption that South Africa has struggled to produce quality all-rounders, and he has now thrown his name into the discussion amongst many other young and up-and-coming all- round players.

Even more so with his selection for the Jozi Stars in the Mzansi Super League 2.0.

The Proteas’ disappointing World Cup campaign means that a rebuild needs to happen and selectors will be keeping an eye out for South Africa’s next generation to put up their hands.

But national selection isn’t on the youngster’s mind right now.

“My goal for the new season is to become a permanent player at the Highveld Lions and to maintain consistency when it comes to my performance with bat and ball,” Potgieter said.

“I put hard work into both batting and . To be an all-rounder you have to give batting and bowling equal time in training.

“My motivation and drive is to accomplish my teenage dream of playing cricket on higher levels and representing teams on big stages, and by doing so making those closest to me proud."

His claim-to-fame was when he scored a career- best 145 in a 331-run seven- stand with Paarl Rocks' Bjorn Fortuin (183) to help the Lions to 440 in their first against the in the final game of the season.

Potgieter also took 4-81 in the match. His all-round display was critical in the Lions winning the clash by 83 runs, which was the title decider that crowned them 4-Day Franchise Series champions.

The Hoërskool Marais Viljoen pupil also gave a shout out to the coach who has been an inspiration to him all his life.

“The coach that has been the most inspirational to me is Neil Levenson. He has been my coach throughout High School and still today he knows exactly how to get the best out of me.

"He understands the brand of cricket that I play and wish to continue playing.”

Potgieter now has the chance in the Mzansi Super League to prove himself on the biggest stage in South African cricket against some of the best players in the World.

"To be associated with the Jozi Stars is an unbelievable experience, being in the same changing room and to call them teammates is just out of this world," said Potgieter.

"I am most excited about the things I can learn from the Jozi Stars environment so that I can bring it into my own game to become the best version of me."

Potgieter has played 17 T20 games at an average of 35.78 and a of 138.01. He also has 17 at an economy rate of 6.32. Cape Town Blitz

The team from the Cape were runners up in the competition losing to Jozi Stars in the final at Newlands, but finished the tournament at the top of the log.

This was probably their biggest disappointment – securing a home final, topping the standings, but not lifting the trophy.

The Blitz’ last season saw the likes of , and George Linde breakthrough as up and coming stars, with all of them keeping their place in the squad.

Quinton de Kock and the Pakistan internationals Asif Ali have been retained and will aim to reprise their role as stars of the side this season. England international will also aim to have a short but effective impact with his late inclusion for the opening two games.

Their main attribute is their lethal seam bowling combo of Nortje, , and .

This is their their squad for the coming season:

Quinton de Kock (South African Marquee) (International Marquee) (Round 1) Dale Steyn – retained (Round 2) Sisanda Magala (Round 3) Anrich Nortje – retained (Round 4) Asif Ali – retained (Round 5) Mohammad Nawaz (Round 6) Janneman Malan – retained (Round 7) George Linde (Round 8) David Bedingham (Round 9) Vernon Philander (Round 10) Marques Ackerman (Round 11) Gregory Mahlokoana (Round 12) Aviwe Mgijima (Round 13) Khwezi Gumede – (Wild Card) GEORGE LINDE TALKS MZANSI SUPER LEAGUE AND GIVES TIPS TO YOUNGSTERS

George Linde is delighted to be retained by the Cape Town Blitz for the second edition of the Mzansi Super League.

He had a busy couple of weeks leading up to the tournament – From being selected for South Africa A’s tour to India, being retained by the Cape Town Blitz, to earning a T20 call-up for the Proteas and making his Test debut. He expressed how he feels about being retained by his hometown team for Mzansi Super League 2.0

“I’m very delighted to get picked up again, it’s another opportunity to showcase my talent to the world,” he said exclusively to Cricket Fanatics Magazine.

The Jozi Stars, champions of last year’s MSL, made a move to snatch up Linde, but the Blitz panel wasted no time to secure their player by activating their right to match.

“Home is home, so I’m happy to stay at home, I’m happy to be with the Blitz again," he added.

It’s a great team and it looks like a great squad, so hopefully we can do well as a team again.

“My goal is to play and try and do well for the team and also if I don’t play, just try and train as hard as possible and learn from all the other guys; learning from basically the best in the world. "It’s a great team and it looks like a great squad, so hopefully we can do well as a team again.

“My goal is to play and try and do well for the team and also if I don’t play, just try and train as hard as possible and learn from all the other guys; learning from basically the best in the world.

There has been a birth of spinning all-rounders in the country, a position that has grown in importance for many coaches all around the world. Especially in the T20 format.

“Yes I think it is an important position. It can balance a team out well. I try not to think too much about that, I just try and do my best.”

He also shared some tips to all the young aspiring spinning all-rounders in the country.

“The tips I can probably give to the younger guys is, not to overthink anything. Don’t try too hard, just back yourself, back your skill, just keep believing in yourself and you will get rewarded for working hard – just try and stay patient, your time will come.”

Linde's confidence will be through the roof, especially after the youngster's performance in the last 4-Day Franchise Series game before the Mzansi Super League, where he hit his maiden franchise century a mere week after making his Test debut.

He will now aim to transfer this confidence to his performances with the Blitz. Paarl Rocks

The main attraction when it comes to the Paarl- based side is the amazingly loyal fan base. They brought the party in the first edition of the tournament and their stadium was sold out week-in and week-out.

They were described as the dark horse of the tournament and started off poorly losing their first three games.

But as soon as they got their skipper back, the tide changed for the Rocks, which saw them climb to third on the table and make the play- offs, in what was a remarkable recovery.

This season they have their skipper from game one at their home fortress Park, when they take on the Cape Town Blitz.

The Rocks were hit by a massive blow when they lost one of their star players, to injury long before the opening game.

But took the opportunity to hit back at their regional rivals, the Cape Town Blitz, by snatching away one of their prized assets from last season, Kyle Verreynne, who was not picked up in the initial draft. This is their their squad for the coming season:

Faf du Plessis (South African Marquee) (International Marquee) JP Duminy (Round 1) – retained (Round 2) (Round 3) Aiden Markram – retained (Round 4) Bjorn Fortuin – retained (Round 5) James Vince (Round 6) (Round 7) – retained (Round 8) Sibonela Makhanya (Round 9) – retained (Round 10) Mangaliso Mosehle (Round 11) Fersico Adams (Round 12) Kerwin Mungroo (Round 13) “OUR TEAM IS GOOD ENOUGH TO WIN IT THIS YEAR” – THANDO NTINI, ROCKS WILD CARD PICK

Thando Ntini has described his selection for the Paarl Rocks in the Mzansi Super League as a “massive step up” in his career.

The Mzanzi Super League Wild Card draw saw some interesting picks made. Some teams chose to keep their spot for a rookie signing, while others chose to select experienced bargains that could round off their squads.

There was an interesting selection made at the Paarl Rocks when they opted for 19-year-old Western Province player, Thandi Ntini.

“Being drafted for the MSL is a dream come true and a blessing,” Ntini said exclusively to Cricket Fanatics Magazine.

“It’s a massive step up in my career and an opportunity to learn from the best players in the world. Hopefully, I can get a game or two just to experience sharing the field with top players.

“I’m also looking forward to being able to play under pressure and experience what it’s like to play at such a high level. The Paarl Rocks, who finished third in last year’s competition, have a squad that boasts a host of big- name players:

Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis, JP Duminy, Tabraiz Shamsi and Sri-Lanka all-rounder Isuru Udana.

It will undoubtedly be an amazing opportunity for the youngster to learn invaluable lessons and also gives him the chance to test his skills against some superstars on opposing teams.

“It’s exciting times and I’m looking forward to sharing a changing room, and hopefully the field, with all these great players,” said Ntini.

“Being in an environment that will see us come up against players like Chris Gayle is something you can’t take for granted. I’m a little nervous, but all of that should settle down once I’m there with the team.”

Paarl Rocks’ first game will be against Cape Town Blitz at home, a team that has players who Ntini is quite familiar with. Nelson Mandela Bay Giants

Nelson Mandela Bay Giants had a good run during the first edition of the MSL, winning four matches, losing four, and two N/R.

The -based franchise finished fourth on last year’s standings, after being edged by the Paarl Rocks by a mere one point to advance to the play-off stage of the competition.

The appointment of as Assistant coach to Eric Simons boosts the Bay Giants as he brings vast experience of playing in and coaching some of the best teams in the T20 circuits.

Having won last year’s opening fixture, away from home against the Jozi Stars, the Giants will host the Stars in their opening match once again and they will be looking to repeat the outcome.

Captain, Jon-Jon Smuts, will lead his men in the second edition of the tournament which gets underway on the 10th of November 2019.

They also got a major boost when it was announced that Wordl Cup winner will be available for the entire tournament. This is their their squad for the coming season:

Imran Tahir (South African Marquee) Jason Roy (International Marquee) – retained (Round 1) Jon Jon Smuts – retained (Round 2) – retained (Round 3) (Round 4) (Round 5) Matthew Breetzke (Round 6) Onke Nyaku (Round 7) (Round 8) (Round 9) Marco Marais – retained (Round 10) Grant Thomson (Round 11) Akhona Mnyaka (Round 12) Nandre Burger (Round 13) NO ONE IS ENTITLED TO ANYTHING – MARCO MARAIS

Marais was born in Worcester in the Western Cape, but grew up in Stutterheim in the Eastern Cape. He’s been playing cricket since he could walk and his dad played Provincial cricket for Boland.

He was the leading run-scorer in the 2018 . In the 2017-18 3-Day Cup for against Eastern Province, Marais etched his name in the history books by scoring the fastest triple century in First-Class cricket.

We caught up Marais to see what he’s been up to.

In 2017 you smashed a world record that stood for 96 years by scoring the quickest triple century in First-Class cricket off 191 balls! What was that moment like for you?

To be honest, it was an unbelievable feeling, unreal actually.

I remember thinking: “I finally beat my Dads’ highest score” – which was 270 or 280-odd in a hostel game, many moons ago – he used to brag about it when we argued about cricket, but I just thought, “Yoh Marco, you did your job today as a batsman”.

I only realized the next day it was a world record. I’m very fortunate to have such an amazing accolade next to my name. Based on your performances last season, do you feel that you deserved a call up to SA Emerging or the SA A side?

I don’t believe anyone deserves anything, if you work hard, you will be rewarded and appreciate the opportunity more than an opportunity that is just given to someone. I’m not shy to work hard and like I said, you will be rewarded, you just have to keep knocking on the door that’s all.

Growing up, which Proteas player have you looked up to?

I used to watch Jacques “The King” Kallis. When he got out or stopped bowling I’d switch the TV off. The way he was criticized for batting too slow and to then see how he adapted from Test to limited-overs cricket was amazing.

What would you say is easier, being a cricketer or a farmer?

We can argue about this a lot, I love the farm and all the animals, I love not having to look into peoples’ yards when I open the curtains in the morning. But then again I also love cricket. Both are stressful and can be financially rewarding but it can also cost you a lot.

What was your overall experience being part of the first edition of the MSL and being with the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants?

I loved every minute of it. It was a tough learning curve jumping from semi-professional level to that standard. Our team was great we got along very well and our coach was Eric Simons, but to see the other guys prepare for a game and what their rituals are was just amazing.

Playing with the likes of , Jason Roy & Chris Morris, what have you learned from them?

One thing I realized is playing with the likes of Imran Tahir, Jason Roy and Chris Morris, to name but a few, is that they are only human like you and me.

If you asked them anything, they responded, and they were not shy to share knowledge as well – which made asking questions easy. Tshwane Spartans

The Tshwane Spartans has a good mixture of young and experience players. They are boosted with the likes of who's their international marquee, Morne Morkel, .

They also welcome a hometown hero along with their retained stars such as and who had excellent seasons last year. Corbin Bosch and Tony de Zorzi are great additions as well.

The Spartans, led by , were probably the biggest underachievers of the inaugural edition of the Mzansi Super League.

With the likes of AB de Villiers as their Proteas Marquee signing, there was a huge expectation that came with the side. Unfortunately, they did not live up to the hype.

They will look to rewrite their fortunes in the second edition of the tournament.

This is their their squad for the coming season:

AB de Villiers (South African Marquee) Tom Curran(International Marquee) Morne Morkel (Round 1) – retained (Round 2) Heinrich Klaasen (Round 3) Theunis de Bruyn – retained (Round 4) Roelof van der Merwe (Round 5) Lutho Sipamla – retained (Round 6) Pite van Biljon (Round 7) Tony de Zorzi (Round 8) Waqar Salamkheil (Round 9) (Round 10) Wiaan Mulder (Round 11) Vaughn van Jaarsveld (Round 12) Corbin Bosch (Round 13) PLAYER RADAR: DONOVAN FERREIRA, SPARTANS WILD CARD PICK

It took one tweet to change Donovan Ferreira’s life. Whilst at a fellow teammate and friend’s house, Ruben Trumpelmann, he received news that sent him on an emotional rollercoaster.

Despite being snubbed by for the CSA Provincial T20 Challenge, the 21-year-old was selected as a Wild Card pick for the Tshwane Spartans.

“My emotions ran high – I was overwhelmed, shocked, happy – a lot of mixed emotions running through my body,” said Ferreira about the news in an exclusive interview with Cricket Fanatics Magazine.

“I found out when someone sent me a screenshot of a Twitter post, so I wasn’t sure whether to believe it or not. But when the team manager called me then it only sunk in and the reality hit me.

“My emotions ran even higher, I was really excited and really overwhelmed and really grateful because I’ve been waiting for a breakthrough. For it to happen at this stage is quite amazing.”

Many would not have heard about the young explosive Northerns cricketer, but he has been quite an important asset to TUKS, winning two Varsity Cup titles.

His affinity with TUKS evoked his response to contact someone who he has identified as having a major influence on his cricketing career thus far.

“The first person I called was coach Kruger (van Wyk) because we were waiting for the news together,” Ferreira added.

“After that, I called my mom and she was also very emotional. We went for dinner with my family and Ruben, because I would rather celebrate with close friends and family because it’s an achievement that we as a family should celebrate."

What sums up the youngster, is his ability to finish off games. He proved this at last year’s Varsity Cup tournament when he scored two crucial half- centuries against Varsity rivals UJ.

This included a knock of 75 off 35 balls.On both occasions, his team was in a spot of bother and he managed to rescue TUKS by putting them in a winning position.

These qualities seem to have been picked up by the Spartans who used their Wild Card pick on the Ferreira.

We all saw how the Mzansi Super League has changed the lives of young cricketers and Ferreira, aware of this, is hopeful that he can follow in the footsteps of those before him.

“I’m excited to learn from the best players in the world that are in my team,” said Ferreira.

“Not enough money can buy the lessons and experience I will learn in the next two months of my cricketing career.

“The biggest thing for me is to learn and grow as a player. I think if I get the opportunity to play I want to just express myself and not pull into my shell.

“I want to try to have a positive effect on the team with the bat, in the field, with the ball or if I’m keeping, and try to do my best in every situation. Most importantly I want to try and win games for my team.”

The youngster also has been handed a life- changing opportunity that many young cricketers could only dream of – the chance to share a dressing room with AB de Villiers.

“I’m most excited to learn from AB de Villiers,” he said. “Most people would be because he is a cricket legend.

“I think the most important thing is to learn how he thinks in pressure situations.

“He has done some crazy things, has great records, so if I can take something out of that… Because I am also an aggressive player and sometimes I overthink when I’m batting.

“If I can learn from him regarding that aspect, that will be amazing.”

Not only does Ferreira bat and bowl off-spin, he is also a wicketkeeper, who will have the chance to learn from one of the best coaches in the country in South Africa’s wicketkeeping legend Mark Boucher.

“Learning from Boucher will add tremendous value to my game, as he is one of the best keepers in the world,” he explained.

“He has proven this with his stats. I haven’t had much opportunity to keep for TUKS, so I had to bowl off-spin but obviously learning from Boucher can only be beneficial to me.

“He’s obviously a tough coach and sets high standards which are a massive plus point for me. I can only grow working with him in terms of technique, mindset and every aspect of my game.

“So working with him is a massive privilege. Not everyone will get an opportunity to work with him so I’m very grateful to have him as a coach and to have him guide me in the whole the process."

The Mzansi Super League kicks off on 8 November.

Durban Heat

Durban Heat once again possess a powerhouse team with as their international marquee player.

We all know how explosive he can be especially alongside fan favourite Sarel Erwee who's known for his explosiveness at the top of the order.

Despite having a talented squad last season, the Heat were extinguished and they ended bottom of the log.

They will hope that the addition of Proteas Marquee signing , who had an average tournament with the Blitz, will add fire to their side.

They have an exciting duo of and Daryn Dupavillon. They also managed to snap up last season's winning to their squad who will aim to captain the Heat to glory.

With a World Cup-winning coach at the helm they'll be looking for a much better finish to the tournament this year.

This is their their squad for the coming season:

Andile Phehlukwayo (South African Marquee) Alex Hales (International Marquee) David Miller – retained (Round 1) Dane Vilas (Round 2) (Round 3) – retained (Round 4) – retained (Round 5) Khaya Zondo – retained (Round 6) Marco Jansen (Round 7) Daryn Dupavillon (Round 8) Sarel Erwee (Round 9) Malusi Siboto (Round 10) Prenelan Subrayen (Round 11) Wihan Lubbe (Round 12) Shaun von Berg (Round 13) THE RISE OF MARCO JANSEN, DURBAN HEATS ROOKIE In the last year, Marco Jansen has flown on the scene to become one of the hottest prospects in South African cricket, writes Khalid Mohidin.

“My search is done. I achieved exactly what I wanted to in the first two days of Khaya Majola Week 2018/19” – those were the words I told myself, that I would come to regret.

It was my second tournament covering it as a journalist, so I had a little bit of extra confidence in my searching methods which I believed were near perfect.

My plan was foolproof – draw up a list of all the names people are talking about, travel to the different games where they are playing and interview the players who I think have a promising career ahead of them.

The secret list was ticked off by day two, having seen the likes of Lifa Ntanzi, Bryce Parsons, Bonga Makaka, Kgaudise Molefe, Jonathan Bird, Lehan Botha, Gerald Coetzee and Achille Cloete in action and now I had the chance to enjoy the cricket, and study these players more in-depth.

It wasn’t until the awards that I realised I had missed a big fish.

How I missed him is baffling. There he stood on stage, standing at 2.06 metres tall, towering above all his SA Colts teammates, the All-rounder of the Week – Marco Jansen from Potchefstroom Gimnasium, representing North West.

It frustrated me that I had missed out on watching him in action, all because of a stubborn strategy which restricted me from unearthing more unknown gems in the tournament.

So consider that method scrapped.

I had the opportunity, however, to see him in action when the SA Colts beat SA Schools and there was definitely something unique about the player, other than his incredible height.

Jansen has since gone on to achieve an incredible run of form that saw him selected for SA U19, SA Emerging, SA A as well as the and the Mzansi Super League for the Durban Heat within just a few months.

When asked about his rise Jansen’s answer was clear: “Hard work and dedication,” he said exclusively to Cricket Fanatics Magazine.

This is the vital ingredient to success and Jansen has it flowing in his veins. You can always tell when talking to a young cricketer whether they are an outlier or not.

Do they settle for being good? Or do they strive to be excellent?

When chatting to Jansen about his exceptional Khaya Majola Week stint, that mindset shone through.

“I didn’t perform like I wanted to in the first two days [of Coke Week] except for the 5-for on the first day,” he said.

“On the third day, our coach [Jimmy Kgamadi] called me aside and told me that I am better with the bat and that’s when I scored a century off 66 balls. If it wasn’t for coach Jimmy I wouldn’t have performed as well as I did.”

In the tri-series against Sri Lanka Emerging and University Sports South Africa XI, he played four matches.

He scored 63 runs, which included an unbeaten 53, and he was not out three times. He also took eight wickets at an average of 23 and an economy of 4.92. An incredible effort from the 19-year-old.

What is encouraging is that his drive from the get- go is spot on.“My main goal is to just play the game I love to the best of my ability,” he added.

“I never started playing this game because of the money, I started playing cricket because I love it and it gives me joy.”

Those words and coupled with his unique attributes – six-foot-seven, left-arm bowling all-rounder – definitely highlights him as a promising player. Mzansi Super League Wild Card Picks

Dyllan Matthews – Nelson Mandela Bay Giants

Robbie Frylinck – Durban Heat – Replaced by Wesley Marshall

Khwezi Gumede – Cape Town Blitz

Donavon Ferreira – Tshwane Spartans

Thando Ntini – Paarl Rocks

Dane Paterson – Jozi Stars Here is a list of some puzzling snubs at this year’s Mzansi Super League draft.

Dane Paterson (later signed as a Wild Card for Jozi Stars) Kyle Verreynne (later signed as a Wild Card for Paarl Rocks) Andries Gous Robbie Frylinck (Later signed as a Wild Card by Durban Heat, but replaced by Wesley Marshall) Rory Kleinveldt Dane Piedt Senuran Muthusamy Ghihan Cloete Jason Smith Raynard van Tonder Patrick Kruger Zubayr Hamza Shadley van Schalkwyk Migael Pretorius Tladi Bokako Tshepo Moreki Follow us on:

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