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Cape Town - Dale Steyn and Quinton de Kock will play key roles for the Cape Town Blitz, as coach Ashwell Prince looks to set the tone early on in their matches.
Prince, speaking at the official Cape Town Blitz media launch at Newlands on Thursday, stated that Dale Steyn's acquisition was crucial in securing an experienced campaigner who can be "on the money".
"About three or four rounds in [the draft] we had Quinton de Kock - top order batsman, Dawid Malan - top order batsman and Andile Phehlukwayo – all-rounder, and we really needed a fast bowler," Prince said.
"There is not a lot of time in the match, so you are looking for people with the experience who set the tone - whether you’re batting or bowling first. You really want to be on the money when you are starting with the ball in hand - he [Steyn] brings that and obviously has a bit of pace as well," Prince added.
Paul Adams and JP Duminy played key roles in assisting Prince and assistant coach Faiek Davids to select individuals who can fulfil specific roles within the team.
"Paul Adams was very good in assisting us in the draft. We brought him along because he had the experience of being with the draft last season," the coach added.
"It was really valuable to have JP Duminy as well, who I must give a lot of credit to - despite him missing out on the tournament. He was instrumental in assisting us late into Tuesday night - getting the structure right in terms of players we were looking at."
"Obviously, JP has played in a lot of leagues around the world, so there are one or two names that people are not familiar with but are very exciting," Prince stated.
England top order batsman Dawid Malan may not be as recognisable as the other international marquee players. However, his experience and versatility makes him a key cog in the wheel.
"A lot of people would have been surprised by the pick, because, internationally Dawid Malan is not as well recognised as some of the others [international marquee players]. In terms of what he brings to the team, skills wise - I think he is an exciting top order batsman, a solid guy who can go in at No 3 and is quite experienced as well," Prince said.
During the press conference, CEO Nabeal Dien also confirmed the following appointments in the Cape Town Blitz management team: Faiek Davids (Assistant Coach), Sherman Baatjes (Strength & Conditioning Coach), Shane Jabaar (Physiotherapist), Llewellyn Roman (Team Manager).
The Cape Town Blitz hosts the Tshwane Spartans in the opening fixture of the Mzansi Super League on November 16 at Newlands at 19:00.
