Warriors must start winning
SEVEN pool matches remain in the Ram Slam T20 for the Chevrolet Warriors and they realise the obvious need to start winning if they have any chance of qualifying for the playoffs.
The Eastern Cape franchise is feeling the weight of expectation from the public and within.
They know only they can change their flagging fortunes.
Three games into the series the Warriors have not found the winning formula.
Coach Piet Botha said the players were feeling the frustration heading into tonight's fixture against the Sunfoil Dolphins at St George's Park (6pm).
"It's been frustrating for all of us. We just haven't played to our potential. We know we are much better than the performance we put out," he said this week.
"We just have to keep positive and believe that the goal still ahead of us, having to win maybe six out of seven, is possible.
"In the past teams have done it, so we've got to believe we can do the same. But we need to up our skill levels and our intensity and we know that."
Former South Africa and Cobras seamer Charl Langeveldt was called in to help the Warriors with their bowling skills this week.
"He is part of a Cricket SA consultancy and I felt it was a good time to pull him in.
"He's obviously been world class at executing those vital skills under pressure situations. He's just the kind of guy who can give a bit more advice."
Botha concedes that a lack of bowling skills has been a problem when the heat was on.
But losing clutches of wickets has also hamstrung them.
"In T20 cricket you've got to expect to chase 160-plus. It's rare that you find scores lower.
"There are areas where we can improve, definitely. It's maybe just [a lack of] a little skill that maybe comes with a bit of added pressure at times.
"That could be it, but that is something we address all the time," Botha said.
"From a batting point of view we have just lost wickets in clusters for some reason.
"I can't put my finger on it, but once you do that in T20 it's tough.
"Once you get to above 10 an over and you've lost wickets and you're trying to recover because of [that], the game drifts away quickly."
Times have been testing for the franchise since the success it enjoyed four years ago, but Botha said the players must keep their chins up.
"We try to stay as positive as possible. The pressure is there. It's not something you can ignore. Top-class sport is about pressure.
"You need to embrace [it] and accept that it is going to be there."
Mohammad Vallie has been drafted into the Warriors squad on loan from the Cobras. He will be looking to impress on debut. English professional Craig Kieswetter is a key figure.
The Dolphins are a dangerous outfit with the bat, led by Morné van Wyk and Cameron Delport, while West Indian allrounder Dwayne Bravo adds an exciting dimension to their game.
Warriors squad for tonight:
Colin Ackermann, Andrew Birch, Aya Gqamane, Simon Harmer, Colin Ingram (capt), Christiaan Jonker, Craig Kieswetter, Sisanda Magala, Lundi Mbane, Somila Seyibokwe, Jon-Jon Smuts, Rusty Theron, Mohammad Vallie, Basheer Walters. - Alvin Reeves
