Mzansi League has been super

AFTER a month of action around the country, the Mzansi Super League (MSL) concludes on Sunday at Newlands.

The Cape Town Blitz have secured home-town advantage and await the winner between the Jozi Stars and the Paarl Rocks at Wanderers tonight. However, the tournament has been about more than just the on-field performances.

There have been some challenges along the way, particularly with the television broadcast, but it would be fair to say the tournament’s maiden season has exceeded expectations.

The quality of cricket has been excellent, and the MSL has unearthed a fresh crop of young talent. Nobody had heard of Ryan Rickleton, Janneman Malan, Anrich Nortje or Lutho Sipamla before the tournament began, yet now they’re household names.

The reach of the SABC cannot be discounted as it has taken the game into the living rooms of the masses, and this decision will be felt for some time.

There was genuine concern that the SABC did not have the manpower or technical nous to broadcast a tournament of such magnitude, but these fears have proved unfounded. There have been some exciting camera angles and a good wit and insight from the commentators.

The international players have also added quality and prestige, and there has already been interest from more high-profile names for next year’s edition.

Yes, the MSL had to be organised at the last minute, and it will take time for fans to strongly identify with the teams, although there has been strong support in Paarl and Cape Town for the Blitz and the Rocks respectively).

The tournament will continue to grow and lessons will have been learnt and the overall quality will improve.

One thing for certain is that the Mzansi Super League is here to stay!