Jacobs set to fire up Warriors
AFTER playing just two competitive matches for the Chevrolet Warriors last season, influential captain Davy Jacobs is itching to get back to what he does best – leading his team to victory on the field.
Having gone under the knife in October, a fully-fit Jacobs could be just the fillip the Warriors need, especially after a disappointing trophyless campaign.
Jacobs injured his hip during a freak accident in the nets a day after his Champions League debut for the Mumbai Indians. His ligament was completely torn off, his labrum was also torn and his cartilage badly damaged. He only returned for the Warriors’ last two T20 matches.
A strong, agile and somewhat unorthodox cricketer, Jacobs who has been a hero to Eastern Cape cricket fans since joining from the Eagles in 2007 said he was desperate to get back into the cricketing fold: “I can’t wait to get back... even if it’s just to get irritated at the end of a four-day game.”
And while not “fully-fit”, Jacobs felt he was “getting there”.
“I feel as strong as I did before I got injured but I think I am about 80% fit,” he said.
“I go to gym everyday while still going to physio three times a week for specific muscle strengthening exercises.
“After winning two trophies and reaching the Champions League final, it was difficult to watch what happened last year. We got into situations where we could win games but no one stepped up.
“It’s obviously tough when you’re powerless to do anything,” said Jacobs on his long layoff from the team.
Despite getting to the final of the One Day Cup last season – before losing to the Cape Cobras by five wickets – the Warriors failed to earn a lucrative place in the Champions League after failing to make the final of the MiWay T20 Challenge.
Also, the Piet Botha-coached side again found the going tough in the SuperSport Series when finishing second from bottom, 48 points behind the title-winning Titans.
Said Jacobs: “My approach will be the same as always which is to try and do anything and everything to help the Warriors win games. I want to help make this the best franchise in the country.”
To show his commitment to the cause, Jacobs even pulled out of Sri Lanka’s version of the IPL which is set for August.
“I have always been committed to the Warriors because I am very passionate about making this a top franchise.”
Having not played a four-day game in almost three years, Jacobs was keen to get his hands on the SuperSport trophy, a competition the the Warriors continue to struggle in. “I think it’s a question of attitude; we’ve done well in the shorter formats but just seem to struggle in the longer game. I’ve made it clear, and the coach agrees, that we have got to win it this season. It is my favourite format even though it may not seem like it because of the way I play.”