Kingsmead ready for Super League
VETERAN Kingsmead groundsman Wilson Ngobese said he had prepared a “belter” of a wicket for Sunday’s Mzansi Super League (MSL) between home side, Durban Heat and Cape Town Blitz.
“It will be a typical Kingsmead pitch, full of pace and bounce. A score of 180 runs will be par,” Ngobese promised.
Ngobese, who has worked at Kingsmead for more than 40 years and is one of the most respected groundsmen in the country, said hectic-schedule MSL matches won’t break his stride.
“The nature of this competition does create some pressure but nothing I haven’t handled before,” said Ngobese.
Stadium manager Asif Khan said Kingsmead was an international venue so he and his team, which included Ngobese, were ready for the challenges.
“The focus will be on Kingsmead and we aim to deliver an exciting experience to the fans,” said Khan.
Apart from preparing a pacy wicket, Khan said batsmen would be rewarded when they played well-timed shots.
“Our drainage system is brilliant, which will make for a quick outfield,” said Khan. He believes the MSL will grow to become a benchmark tournament and could even compete with the IPL eventually.
“T20 competitions are known to bring in the crowds, we’re hoping to have a full house (17 000 fans). There are plenty of fan activations planned for the day.
“We’re ready for this competition.”