Nelson Mandela Bay Giants will be hunting back-to-back Mzansi Super League wins when they host the Paarl Rocks on Friday (2pm) and Jozi Stars on Sunday (3.30pm).
Both matches are at St George’s Park and dual victories will be the ideal way to gain momentum heading into a final straight that features the last three group games.
But they will be aware that there are no pushovers in this fiercely contested competition.
The Rocks have rebounded well after losing their opening two games, beating the logleading Cape Town Blitz and the Durban Heat.
They are in a positive state of mind and will be tough to beat.
Giants captain Jon-Jon Smuts said Wednesday’s rained-out game against the Blitz was not ideal but the team had quickly started focusing on the next game.
He also knows the value of winning fixtures in your own backyard.
“In this tournament, if you play well and get a lot of points from your home games I think you will be in with a good chance by the end,” he said.
“So the next two games are vital for us and hopefully we can play some good cricket and come out on top.”
The good news for the Giants is that the experienced Heino Kuhn may be back in the starting lineup, having recovered from a concussion sustained from being hit on the head by a Dale Steyn thunderbolt near the start of the competition.
His contribution will be vital in the middle order.
The Giants’ top order of Smuts, Marco Marais and Ben Duckett has generally performed well and the bowling appears to be improving.
Junior Dala has performed well with the new ball while Aaron Phangiso, Imran Tahir and Smuts will form a spin attack that would test most franchise sides in world cricket.
The Rocks have some dangerous players and the late introduction of Proteas captain Faf du Plessis into their lineup has certainly made a difference.
He will be supported by the likes of Aiden Markram and Henry Davids.
Friday’s 7pm match sees the under-performing Durban Heat travel to face the Jozi Stars at the Wanderers in Johannesburg while in Centurion, the Tshwane Spartans entertain Cape Town Blitz on Sunday.
Blitz captain Farhaan Behardien says the abandoned game against the Giants may have come at the right time for his team.
“We wanted to test our skills against a very good outfit.
“It’s a little bit disappointing we didn’t get to play on Wednesday but maybe a blessing in disguise for our team,” he said.
“We have been on a tight schedule and the guys can now rest up and then be fresh for Saturday’s game in Pretoria.”
Behardien said the team are out to build even further upon their six-point lead over the Giants at the top of the table.
“We are looking forward to playing at SuperSport Park and kind of keep the momentum that we have going.
“If you end top, you avoid the playoff. You go straight into a home final.