Publications
Partners
Johannesburg - Highveld Lions captain Thami Tsolekile is facing something of a dilemma as he attempts to resurrect their flagging RAM SLAM T20 campaign with a positive result in Friday’s televised match against the Titans at Senwes Park.
After losing their first three games in the competition Tsolekile knows that they must win just about every match going forward, but he also appreciates that it will take a little time for him to create the healthy environment required to turn things around.
Tsolekile took up the captaincy last weekend after Alviro Petersen resigned, but says he was heartened by the manner in which the Lions went about their business in Wednesday’s 15-run loss to the Cape Cobras.
“I don’t mind the way we lost against the Cobras because you could see we put up a fight, whereas the other games we just got rolled over,” he said.
“The games are coming thick and fast now and Friday is an opportunity to start winning.
"If you win one, you can win two or three, and we’re almost in a position where every game becomes a final now.
“The most important thing for me is to create the right environment with the guys.
"I’m working towards it - it’s not something that happens in one or two days.”
If the Lions want encouragement then they need look no further than their opponents for Friday.
Earlier this season the Titans went on a remarkable winning run to sneak into the One-Day Cup play-off through the back door.
The Titans seem as though they are still riding the crest of that wave, with Wednesday’s last-ball victory over the Warriors their latest conquest.
“It was very important to get over the line in that game - when it comes to later in the competition that could be the difference between us going through,” captain Henry Davids reflected.
“We’re confident, and I think the good thing is that we’re not playing our best cricket yet.
"Our bowling and our fielding haven’t been the best, so that’s something that we need to correct.”
After losing their first three games in the competition Tsolekile knows that they must win just about every match going forward, but he also appreciates that it will take a little time for him to create the healthy environment required to turn things around.
Tsolekile took up the captaincy last weekend after Alviro Petersen resigned, but says he was heartened by the manner in which the Lions went about their business in Wednesday’s 15-run loss to the Cape Cobras.
“I don’t mind the way we lost against the Cobras because you could see we put up a fight, whereas the other games we just got rolled over,” he said.
“The games are coming thick and fast now and Friday is an opportunity to start winning.
"If you win one, you can win two or three, and we’re almost in a position where every game becomes a final now.
“The most important thing for me is to create the right environment with the guys.
"I’m working towards it - it’s not something that happens in one or two days.”
If the Lions want encouragement then they need look no further than their opponents for Friday.
Earlier this season the Titans went on a remarkable winning run to sneak into the One-Day Cup play-off through the back door.
The Titans seem as though they are still riding the crest of that wave, with Wednesday’s last-ball victory over the Warriors their latest conquest.
“It was very important to get over the line in that game - when it comes to later in the competition that could be the difference between us going through,” captain Henry Davids reflected.
“We’re confident, and I think the good thing is that we’re not playing our best cricket yet.
"Our bowling and our fielding haven’t been the best, so that’s something that we need to correct.”
