Opening gambit to test Border’s young hotshots to the hilt

“They are also viewed, as we are by some of the bigger unions, as being some of the weaker sides in the week, and that is always dangerous, so we are preparing for them as we would for the best team at the week.”

The final two days of action will then be 50-over cricket, and Border’s opponents will only be decided after the first three days of play, based on the results over that period.

“We hope that by the time the final two games are played we are amongst the top sides, and will come up against other teams who have played the best over the week up to that stage,” said De Beer.

The Border side named is a strong team, with over half of the players having featured in last year’s Coke side, so they will have a great chance to get their national week off to a dream start.

With some of the players having played for the SA U19 team, SA Schools side, SA Colts team and even a bit of provincial cricket, there is plenty of experience in the team, and that should stand them in good stead.

“It gives a lot of strength to the team that we have retained so many guys from last year’s side,” said De Beer.

“But we have a really good balance between our senior and junior players.

“We have kept hold of our captain and a number of key players, and with the youngsters coming into the team they will be able to learn from these senior guys, and it will then bode well for us next year as well.”

The 2017 Coca-Cola Khaya Majola week gets under way on Sunday December 17 and will end by Thursday December 21.