Warriors focused on new season, not CSA woes, says Smuts
The negativity surrounding Cricket SA’s woes has not affected the Warriors as they contemplate a return to action later in 2020, captain Jon-Jon Smuts says.
The Warriors have been back training since early August and Smuts says there has been no adverse effects on the team from turmoil the national body finds itself in.
Their lowest point came last week when the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc), asked the board to step aside from their duties.
“Whether it is right or not, I cannot say as I don’t know everything,” Smuts said.
“But there has been a lot of negative stuff about CSA in the last two years, possibly even going as far back as the T20 Global League.
“We haven’t covered ourselves in glory.
“Whether it is right or wrong, I cannot say.
“It might not have affected the national side straight away, but if there is a lot of negativity around cricket, around the organisation, I think eventually it does wear your team down.
“I’m not sure what is happening at an administration level, but I hope things can be rectified within the organisation.”
Smuts seemed upbeat about the chances of some cricket being played before the end of the year.
“It’s exciting to be back. I think it is about three months before the season starts, even though no official date has yet been set.
“It’s good to get back to some sort of normality with cricket at training. The guys have been working really hard and the Warriors management staff have done a great job so far.”
Smuts, who returned to training a bit earlier to prepare for the 3T Cricket match, said the off-season had been rewarding.
“The guys have been good. “They have gelled really well and we have pushed each other really well.
“If we can get up and play some good cricket, which I am sure we will do, I don’t think there will be anything holding the team back this season.
“There are some exciting players in the squad and I am looking forward to seeing them grow with us over the next few years.”
Smuts also said the gradual easing back into full intensity in training had helped the players adjust to their crammed preseason preparations.
“If you look at it, we haven’t missed out on too much preseason.
“We are going to have about three months now, when normally it’s close to four months as you do have some time off after the season finishes.
“So, the guys are really keen to get going,” he said. — HeraldLIVE