CAPE TOWN – It’s gearing up to be a thrilling curtain-raiser for the Mzansi Super League at Newlands, and AB de Villiers has issued a warning to the Cape Town Blitz to beware the Tshwane Spartans at Newlands.
Normally in the guise of the Cape Cobras and Titans, the Blitz and Spartans will go head-to-head on Friday, November 16 (7pm start), and the headline act will be former Proteas captain De Villiers.
Some of the national team players won’t be available for the tournament opener as the Proteas will still be on tour in Australia, but for the rest of the event, De Villiers will be supported by Lungi Ngidi, Robbie Frylinck, Theunis de Bruyn and international marquee player Eoin Morgan.
“I have full faith in our ability to cross the line in that opener and there cannot be a better place to play cricket.
“Cape Town is a great set-up – apart from SuperSport Park of course – with the North v South derby in the tournament. I think it will be a great game and I am looking forward to it,” De Villiers said in a statement on Wednesday.
“The quality of cricket in the Mzansi Super League is going to be good.
“It’s very exciting. I am very happy to finally be part of the tournament that I believe will help South African cricket development and give youngsters incredible exposure to play with some of the world superstars.”
Apart from the Spartans, the Durban Heat are the other strong contenders for the title, with a well-balanced squad headed up by Hashim Amla.
De Villiers said that he has seen the Heat squad, and is confident that the Spartans can challenge for the title.
“I know the Player Draft system is tricky, but I think we have a great squad. I believe we really have talented team.
Superstar batsman @ABdeVilliers17 believes that his @SpartansMSLT20 might just have enough to be top contenders for the #MSLT20 set to start next Friday, 16 November.
All focus will be on the return of the 33-year-old nicknamed “Mr 360” for his breath-taking shot selection. pic.twitter.com/QfqTUfO5rI
— Mzansi Super League (@MSL_T20) November 7, 2018
“More importantly, we have a great spirit, a bunch of humble guys that are prepared to have work hard and have fun on the cricket field – and hopefully off it too,” he said.
“I think the Heat look like a good side as well, with a team similar to ours. It is T20 cricket and anything can happen from all the teams, but I do believe that we have something special that will help us cross the line in the tournament.”
@ashfakmohamed