PORT ELIZABETH – Nelson Mandela Bay Giants coach Eric Simons feels that his team had a very good draft for the upcoming Mzansi Super League.
Simons, captain Jon-Jon Smuts, team manager Shafiek Abrahams and players Junior Dala and Ben Duckett were in attendance at a press conference in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday.
“We had a very good draft, I’m very happy with the squad that we put together.
“Finally, we have got together as a team and are getting to know each other. The first objective is to turn 16 individuals into a team with a common objective,” Simons said.
The Giants assembled in Port Elizabeth on Monday, and went straight into their first practice.
Captain Smuts highlighted how the Giants will look to “exploit the conditions” through their spin options when they play at St George’s Park, and to play well in their home games as “it makes life a little easier” when they’re on the road.
“We’re looking to take the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants to the people, as a community team,” added team manager Shafiek Abrahams.
The Giants have various activations that will be happening at different hubs and schools in Port Elizabeth. He encouraged the fans to come and support all the home matches at St George’s Park.
Junior Dala highlighted how the team has “a good balance of good youngsters and international players, where the team won’t rely only on experienced players to perform”.
Head coach, Eric Simons talking about what's ahead for the Giants in the @MSL_T20. #BringTheGees #NMBGiants #MSLT20 pic.twitter.com/cq2wj29xvC
— Nelson Mandela Bay Giants (@NMB_Giants) November 13, 2018
England international Ben Duckett said that he was looking forward to “learning from his teammates” and “playing my part, wherever I’m needed”.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Giants play their first game against the Jozi Stars on Saturday, and their first home match of the season on November 23 against the Durban Heat.
Tickets for the match are available at Ticketpros or at the St George’s Park Ticket Office.