Cricket South Africa (CSA) has experienced a winter of discontent like no other and an administrative spring that saw its morbidly resilient, but ultimately dysfunctional, board tumble.
That’s all happened in good time because on Monday the domestic season that was cut short in March because of Covid-19 will start afresh.
With no board and dangerous administrative entanglements to worry about, the six franchises can focus on what they love and need to do on the field.
Here’s how the teams shape up for the 2020/21 season:
Lions
Coach: Wandile Gwavu
Captain: Temba Bavuma
Where they were last season: They were the best red-ball team, but were flagging before Covid-19’s tentacles gripped the game. They were also a more than capable white-ball unit and finding their best form before the enforced break. There’s a fair bit of talent at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.
What’s expected of them this season: Having defended their four-day title, they’ve got targets on their backs. They’re well stocked with pace and spin options, and also have a sound batting group. They’ll be expected to win one of the three trophies.
Five shining stars: Lutho Sipamla, Wiaan Mulder, Sisanda Magala, Ryan Rickelton, Eldred Hawken.
Titans
Coach: Mandla Mashimbyi
Captain: Grant Thomson
Where they were last season: They finished second in the four-day tournament, but were below par in the Momentum 1-Day Cup, which they’ve generally dominated. They were finding a good head of steam before Covid-19 intervened.
What’s expected of them this season: With five nationally contracted players, the Titans will again have to rely on their youngsters. Combative they may be, but they often lack the winning edge. They can’t be discounted though, as they still have battle-hardened senior pros to call on
Five shining stars: Neil Brand, Diego Rosier, Thando Ntini, Sibonelo Makhanya, Kabelo Sekhukhune.
Warriors
Coach: Robin Petersen
Captain: Yaseen Vallie
Where they were last season: They promised a lot, but in their true style didn’t deliver when it mattered. They had a midseason change of coach, which can affect teams, but Petersen stepped in and continued where Rivash Gobind left off. It’s another rebuilding phase for the developmental franchise that battles to hold on to its best players.
What’s expected of them this season: More improvement, but without shaking the trophy-chasing establishment. Punching above their weight is their thing, but anything more is asking too much of the Eastern Capers.
Five shining stars: Sinethemba Qeshile, Glenton Stuurman, Matthew Breetzke, Jade de Klerk, Wihan Lubbe
Knights
Coach: Allan Donald
Captain: Pite van Biljon
Where they were last season: They were neither here nor there. There were flashes of brilliance, but they were horribly inconsistent in all formats
What’s expected of them this season: There’s a core of young players who have a lot to prove. Then there are some senior players from different regions who would like to show their previous employers what they missed. They’re the most unpredictable lot.
Five shining stars: Gerald Coetzee, Wandile Makwetu, Ferisco Adams, Raynard van Tonder, Jacques Snyman.
Dolphins
Coach: Imraan Khan
Captain: Marques Ackerman
Where they were last season: They disappointed in the four-day competition, but sparkled in the Momentum 1-Day Cup. Their excellence and adaptability in the shorter format was unrivalled and set quite a high standard last season.
What’s expected of them this season: They’ll be expected to do the same this season in white-ball cricket, but will also be banked upon to improve in red-ball cricket, if the weather allows.
Five shining stars: Keegan Petersen, Daryn Dupavillon, Lifa Ntanzi, Ottneil Bartmann, Andile Mogakane.
Cape Cobras
Coach: Ashwell Prince
Captain: Zubayr Hamza
Where they were last season: With the talent at Prince’s disposal, the Cape Cobras underperformed in all formats. They didn’t win a red-ball game, while also propping up the Momentum 1-Day Cup standings.
What’s expected of them this season: Improvement all round and in every sense of the word. They were unable to turn draws into wins, something champion teams do. They also need to pace themselves properly and not run out of steam like they did in the 2018/19 season.
Five shining stars: Jonathan Bird, Tony de Zorzi, Onke Nyaku, Janneman Malan, Kyle Verreynne.
