EP side not taking Namibians lightly
Team must be vigilant against shrewd opponents – coach
APPLYING pressure to an experienced Namibian side would be key in Eastern Province’s pursuit of a positive result when the two teams lock horns in the Sunfoil 3-Day Cup at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth tomorrow.
EP coach Piet Botha said he expected a tough match against a Namibian team who have won all four of their games in Pool B so far, and are in third place, only two points behind the home side.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Botha said: “Namibia are an experienced side because they play international cricket and are a consistent squad who play together quite regularly, whereas we don’t field the same team from game to game.
“It’s just about giving roles to the guys that do come in, prepare and plan well as we normally do, and play with confidence.
“But if we maintain that self-belief, there is no reason why we can’t win this game.”
Botha said breaking up the game and ensuring that each session went according to plan would be of major importance for the EP team to achieve the best result.
The coach was pleased with the fight shown by his charger in the seven-wicket win over KwaZulu-Natal Inland last week.
“KZN [Inland] are a very experienced team – and have always done well in the competition.
“To bounce back the way we did was pleasing – especially the character we showed to make the turnaround after not playing cleverly in the previous game, so it was great to see the team pull together like that.”
About Clyde Fortuin’s magical 144 runs off 254 balls against KwaZulu-Natal Inland, Botha said he was happy about his contribution, but it was necessary for other team members to step up to the plate.
“Those guys who have come back from long lay-offs have started to show some form again – and Clyde is one of those players.
“We got a good score based on his innings, and if we can get contributions from the guys around that, we can put a lot of pressure on the opposition,” he said.
On the CSA Provincial One Day Cup result when Eastern Province lost by four wickets, Botha said the team prided itself on defending totals, and he felt comfortable that the 186 was a total they could have defended.
“We just did not bowl as well as we normally do – sometimes you get games where things just don’t go your way in terms of executing your skill,” he said.
Botha hailed bowlers Anrich Nortje, Tladi Bokako and others for their contributions in securing the win for his side.
He confirmed at least four changes could be expected, with Fortuin being called up to the Warriors squad for their match against VKB Knights, in Kimberley, yesterday.
Despite his reluctance to provide names for the incoming change, he said the team was expected to be named today.