Stars need to be more ruthless
NKWE: I BELIEVE WE ARE ONLY A GAME OR TWO AWAY
Ken Borland
Asubtle easing off in intent and a lack of runs have been the major contributors to the Jozi Stars’ poor start to the Mzansi Super League, but coach Enoch Nkwe believes they are just a game away from clicking as they head into a bottom-of-thetable clash against the Durban Heat at the Wanderers tonight.
Both teams have won just one of their four games thus far, with the Stars a point ahead of their visitors thanks to a bonus point.
“In T20 things happen very quickly and when we fall asleep for two or three overs then things get taken away from us. We’re well aware there are small margins and we need to make sure that we are very disciplined in just trying to put the puzzle together, being more consistent and stretching that further.
“We’ve always wanted intent but unfortunately in certain periods things just haven’t worked out. Our approach is to always keep the game moving forward, whether we’re in a tough situation or not. But at the end of the day we need runs and if we can make 180+ consistently then we have a better chance, we have something to play with,” Nkwe said at the Wanderers yesterday.
“I believe we are only a game or two away, the win feels just around the corner and hopefully it will all come together at our home ground. It’s going to be very important for us to go on the road with good confidence,” he added.
Probably the only selection question for the Jozi Stars is whether to go into the match with only one spinner, in which case Simon Harmer’s all-round skills should see him get the nod ahead of Eddie Leie.
“In T20 around the world, the slower bowlers generally have more success because they bring a different dimension. But we’ll look at the conditions and the opposition and if we think spin can get us eight overs at six or seven then we will do that. If we think the pitch will respond better to the seamers then we will play only one spinner,” Nkwe said.