Dolphins aim to stop Lions’ title defence
IN A PECULIAR twist of fate, the Highveld Lions will find themselves in the very dressing-room where the Cape Cobras sat just over a week ago, waiting for news from Potchefstroom.
The Cobras and the Dolphins had drawn their four-day match in Pietermaritzburg, but the Lions were still scrapping against the Warriors.
Ultimately, the men from Gauteng prevailed with minutes to spare in the competition. It was dramatic and it was devastating for the Cobras, but the Lions – or any other team, for that matter – are not in the sympathy business.
Theirs is to look after their own, and they will start the Momentum One-day Cup against the Dolphins with an eye on a unique treble of domestic trophies.
It is an astonishing turnaround up Wanderers way, given the apparent doldrums that they found themselves in last season.
The arrival of Enoch Nkwe as coach, the return of Temba Bavuma from the Cape, and the persistent rise of so many quality players in the squad has seen them hit new heights.
They might even say they are ahead of schedule, because the noises coming out of Gauteng suggest that there are exciting youngsters pushing for higher honours.
The strength of a franchise can usually be determined using one of two measures. Trophies, or Proteas.
The Titans have had both counts well covered in recent years, and now the Lions are stepping up to the challenge.
It is no coincidence that Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks, Bavuma and Beuran Hendricks are all in the national set-up.
They have a wealth of experience, too, from Stephen Cook and Aaron Phangiso, through to Dwaine Pretorius and Nono Pongolo.
Then there are the youngsters already in the squad, who have made strides this season. Kagiso Rapulana has become a batting mainstay, while Wiaan Mulder is now spoken of as a national player. At just 20.
This is the beast that confronts the Dolphins on Saturday, and they would do well overcome it. They too have firepower, mind you.
David Miller is back in familiar territory, and in form. Andile Phehlukwayo and Imran Tahir are also available, while Robbie Frylinck is back from the Bangladesh Premier League.
Vaughn van Jaarsveld is in form, and Dane Vilas is itching for a game. Keshav Maharaj has one game before reporting for Test duty, so there is no shortage of motivation for skipper Khaya Zondo and his men.
More than that, they are defending champions in this tournament. That is the side of the table they want to be in come the latter stages of the competition.
The Dolphins took no joy in playing the role of spoiler for the would-be Cobras coronation ten days ago.
They would far rather have been in the mix themselves, battling for silverware. They have a fresh chance now, in a format they maintain is their favourite.
If they can overcome the formidable Lions first up, the rest of the competition will sit up and take notice.
Play in Pietermaritzburg starts at 10am.