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Cape Town - Titans assistant coach Mandla Mashimbyi believes momentum is key for his team as they go in search of a third straight win in the T20 Challenge when they host the Knights at Sahara Park Willowmoore in Benoni on Friday.
The defending champions began the competition by thumping the Highveld Lions over the weekend and have followed that up by ousting the Cape Cobras on Wednesday. That has put them top of the table and they want to stay there with another win. “It’s all about creating momentum at this stage of the competition and then pushing it forward,” he said. “Especially this week where we have so many games and we need to make sure we end it well.”
The Titans also have a fourth game in eight days when they take on the Dolphins in Bloemfontein on Sunday.
But for now, the focus is on the Knights and Mashimbyi added: “They have a very well-balanced team and I expect them to pose a stiff challenge for us. But it will all come down to how we play on the day. We just need to make sure we execute according to our plans and let the rest take care of itself.”
Knights boss Nicky Boje watched his side thump the Cape Cobras in their first game, but says there is room for improvement.
Apart from their meeting with the Titans, they will also face the Warriors in Bloemfontein on Sunday. “I think we can expect a close game because both sides have started the competition nicely,” Boje said. “We’ll just be going out there and hoping to put more points on the board. Early points in such a competition are vital because there are so many back-to-back games.
“In terms of improving, there are still one or two things we can do to get better, but in general we were happy with the start.”
Titans squad: Albie Morkel (captain), Qaasim Adams, Farhaan Behardien, Junior Dala, Henry Davids, Heinrich Klaasen, Heino Kuhn, Aiden Markram, Grant Mokoena, Lungi Ngidi, Malusi Siboto, Jonathan Vandiar, Shaun von Berg, David Wiese.
Knights squad: Tumelo Bodibe, Patrick Botha, Mbulelo Budaza, Theunis de Bruyn (captain), Marchant de Lange, Dillon du Preez, Patrick Kruger, David Miller, Tshepo Ntuli, Duanne Olivier, Diego Rosier, Lotli Sesele, Pite van Biljon, Shadley van Schalkwyk.
