Warriors give their coach much reason to smile

COACH Malibongwe Maketa’s new kids on the block gave him reason for optimism as the Warriors completed a convincing eightwicket victory over the Cape Cobras in their 50-over pre-season friendly in Oudtshoorn on Tuesday.

Maketa was thrilled to see newly-signed Gihahn Cloete and Yaseen Vallie both get unbeaten hundreds as the Warriors chased down the Cobras’ total of 221 for eight with more than seven overs to spare.

Maketa was grateful his players were able to spend time out in the middle as the squad has had limited pre-season game time due partly to budget constraints.

“I’m very happy to have our new guys come in and settle down so well. They both batted superbly. They showed great maturity in knocking off the runs on a slow pitch. It was the kind of surface that needed good application with the bat and Gihahn and Yaseen showed good steady heads,” Maketa said yesterday.

Cloete, who joined the Warriors from the Knights, made 110 not out (140 balls; 12x4, 1x6) while Vallie scored an unbeaten 103 (113 balls; 8x4).

Basheer Walters was the pick of the bowlers, nabbing five wickets for 39 runs.

Although Maketa was generally happy with his team’s performance he is perturbed about the lack of game time his squad has had.

The Warriors will start their new season with a Momentum One-Day Cup match against the Titans at Centurion on Friday, October 9. Summarised scores: Cape Cobras 221/8 in 50 overs (Keegan Petersen 82 [137 balls; 3x4, 1x6], Simon Khomari 50 [68 balls; 3x4, 1x6]; Basheer Walters 9-2-39-5). Warriors 223/2 in 42.3 overs (Gihahn Cloete 110no [140 balls; 12x4, 1x6], Yaseen Vallie 103no [113 balls; 8x4]; Dane Paterson 5-0-23-2). Warriors won by eight wickets